Boxer Tyson Brown raises $2,230 (and counting) for CMHA Ottawa

Nov 28, 2024

Above: Tyson Brown presents the cheque for $2,230 to Rebecca Rutland and Jacalyn Ball from Recovery College, and peer greeter at CMHA Ottawa, Patrick Sicotte.

Funds raised for UWCB charity match go to CMHA Ottawa’s Recovery College program 

On Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Infinity Convention Centre, Tyson Brown competed in an Ultra White-Collar Boxing (UWCB) charity match against a boxer nine years his junior and almost 10 pounds heavier. 

Tyson won that fight. 

But the victory in the ring was not his only recent win. In preparation for the fight, Tyson raised $2,230 for CMHA Ottawa. Moreover, he was the top fundraiser of the event! 

We are thrilled that Tyson selected us as his charity partner for the fight and would like to extend our sincere thanks to him and all his donors and supporters. 

Tyson’s is a true story of triumph. From here, we’ll turn it over to him to tell it: 

“My journey to raising funds for the Ottawa branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is deeply rooted in personal loss, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. It began with my uncle, a boxer, who first introduced me to the sport and taught me how to hit a heavy bag. His passion for boxing created a bond that shaped my love for the sport and became a source of strength after his loss. 

“Years later, I faced unimaginable grief when my girlfriend, Chelsea, passed away. The guilt of not being there for her weighed heavily on me. That pain compounded with the loss of Brad, another close friend, who I felt I could have done more to help. After losing Brad, my life unraveled completely—I lost my place to live and my job. These compounded losses sent me into a dark period of addiction as I struggled to process the overwhelming grief and feelings of responsibility. 

“When I decided to raise funds for mental health, it became a healing journey. Channeling my pain into training for a charity boxing match gave me purpose and a way to honour the memories of my uncle, Chelsea, and Brad. It wasn’t just about the fight—it was about helping others who are struggling with mental health challenges. The seriousness of the cause pushed me to train harder and ultimately secure a victory against an opponent nine years younger and nearly 10 pounds heavier. 

“During my walk to the ring, I wore a headband with the names of my uncle, Chelsea, and Brad written on it, symbolizing my journey and the loved ones I’ve lost. The walk-in music was Brad’s favourite song, and I felt their collective presence with me as I stepped into the ring. A picture of this powerful moment is included, capturing the emotion and purpose of the night. 

“This experience was nothing short of a Cinderella ending. Rising from the lowest point in my life to achieving something deeply meaningful and personal was transformational. It showed me the power of resilience, community, and turning pain into hope for others. This journey has been about honouring the people I’ve lost while fighting for those who still need support—and it’s a chapter of my life I will carry with me forever.”

It is our honour at CMHA Ottawa to be a small part of Tyson’s Cinderalla ending. The funds Tyson raised will go towards our Recovery College at CMHA Ottawa, a peer-designed and peer-facilitated workshop series that does not receive any ministry funding and relies entirely on donations and grants to stay in operation. The $2,230 will go a long way in helping some of the people we serve in building upon the skills we all need to thrive. 

Related: Learn all about Recovery College with our comprehensive guide! 

Bonus: Tune in to Tyson’s interview with CKCU FM: https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/100/67850.html

In it, he’s joined by his sister, Jessica Tudor, as they talk about not just the fight, but also how she supported him through some of his darkest times.  

Tyson extends a special thanks to just some of the people who made his journey even more meaningful: 

• Jonathan Meunier, Tyson’s coach, for supporting him both in and out of the ring. 
• Jeff Larocque, for giving him the platform to share his story on the radio. 
• Tyson’s sister, Jessica Brown, for being his biggest fan and unwavering source of strength. 

“And of course,” he says, “a heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who supported me. Your generosity and encouragement have made a real difference, and I truly appreciate it.” 

If you’d still like to contribute, you can donate directly to the CMHA Ottawa via our CanadaHelps page: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/4839. Please put ‘Tyson Brown’ in the comment box, if you choose to donate. 

Thanks again, Tyson! 

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa), is an independent, community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. CMHA Ottawa is dedicated to promoting good mental health, developing and implementing sustainable support systems and services, and encouraging public action to strengthen community mental health services and related policies and legislation.