Freshman Kevin Thibodeau featured in ‘Journal Tribune’ for unique suicide prevention fundraiser
On October 9, 2015, the Journal Tribune reported on the efforts of UNE student Kevin Thibodeau to raise money for those affected by depression by using a unique fundraising effort.
Thibodeau, a freshman psychology major from Georgetown, Maine, is collecting donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and for each dollar that he receives for the cause, he will perform one burpee, an exercise that involves first dropping to the ground, completing a push-up, getting into a squat position and then jumping into a standing position.
A participant in Spartan racing, which involves completing obstacle courses, Thibodeau has named the fundraiser the Yellow Spartan Movement. Yellow, he says, is the color representing suicide awareness and prevention. Thus far, he has raised $1,169. His goal is $2,500 or more.
Thibodeau will perform the burpees on December 12 and will broadcast the activity live as well as post the workout on YouTube.
Thibodeau was inspired to support this cause because he, himself, has suffered from “severe, severe depression” and lost three friends to suicide.