meet the crew
the people behind big red
Meet Brandon
co-founder
Hi! I’m Brandon, Adam’s oldest brother and one of the Co-Founders of the Big Red Mental Health Society. Adam and I were only two and a half years apart, and growing up, we did almost everything together. From playing hockey and video games to spending time outdoors, we shared the same passions and built countless memories side by side. For the last three years before he passed, we played on the same men’s hockey team. Our final game together took place the night before we lost him. It’s a memory that I hold close and one that continues to motivate me in the work we do today.
Losing Adam was something I could never have imagined. It shook my world and brought challenges to my own mental health that I hadn’t faced before. There were times when it was difficult to find direction or motivation, but through the support of my family and friends, along with counselling, working out, and committing to a healthier lifestyle, I began to rebuild my strength and found new motivation. As a co-founder of this society, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing both mental and physical health, something that looks different for everyone. Whether it’s opening up to someone, getting outside, exercising, or simply doing what brings you a sense of calm and joy. Being part of this community has been deeply healing, giving me a sense of purpose and connection while allowing me to channel my grief into something positive that supports others who may be struggling too. These experiences have taught me how powerful openness, connection, and support can be in strengthening our well-being, and they’ve guided me toward a healthier mindset and a stronger sense of balance in my own life.
Professionally, I work as an Event Manager, a role that allows me to bring people together through shared experiences. That same passion carries over into my involvement with the Big Red Mental Health Society. Organizing events and fundraisers like our annual Drive to Thrive for Mental Health golf tournament gives me the opportunity to combine my love for the community with my commitment to promoting awareness and supporting others.
Through this society, I hope to continue encouraging conversations around mental health, reminding people that it’s okay to reach out for help, and showing that taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
meet Julia
Co-Founder
Hi, I’m Julia, Adam’s cousin and one of the co-founders of Big Red Mental Health Society.
I grew up alongside Adam, Brandon, Jake and Zachary my whole life and it often felt like I had four brothers. Our families were so close and we always showed up for each other... every birthday, holiday, celebration and achievement (small or big), and often trying to find new excuses to spend time together. Some of my favourite memories with Adam are boating, rock climbing, kayaking, fighting over the marble game, Christmas eve, road hockey, and playing Just Dance (rotating judges) with the boys in the living room.
Adam was always someone I could be open with and never feel judged by. I really can’t imagine my childhood without him, and I will never forget the laughs and memories we shared over 22 years. The world can be full of tragedy, but I never expected anyone in our family, especially Adam, to be suffering so deeply. Losing him was a devastating reminder that mental health struggles are often invisible, and that something needed to be done so others don’t have to face them alone.
My passion for physical and mental health led me to study Kinesiology and Health Education and Promotion. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s in Physical and Health Education, where my thesis explored mental health in schools and the importance of early, accessible support. I’m now pursuing a PhD at Queen’s University in Community-Engaged Health Promotion to deepen my impact on mental-health education and access across Canada. I’ve been so fortunate to learn from other mental-health societies and charities we’ve partnered with throughout this experience, that continue to shape how I approach this work.
Being a co-founder of this society is something I take to heart. My hope is to help create quality access to mental-health education and resources across Canada, so that no family has to go through what ours has.
Jake
Meet Jake, Adam’s younger cousin and our Director of Finance. Jake and Adam were very close as they only had an age difference of 2 years. Jake spent many nights at the Hobbs house where Jake and Adam bonded through countless games of road hockey, basketball, video games, and watching movies together. Some of Jake’s most memorable nights were spent alongside Adam.
As someone who witnessed how selfless Adam was and how he could light a room, this tragedy has really opened Jake’s eyes that truly anyone can suffer from mental health problems. At the end of the day this tragedy made Jake aware to the fact that we all need support and need to support others in their struggles without judgement, only through love and compassion.
Although Jake has a background in finance and accounting, he doesn’t plan to only be involved in the society’s books. He plans to assist in organizing events and spearheading the mission that the Big Red Mental Health Society stands for throughout his community, family, and friends.
zach
Meet Zach, Adam’s youngest brother and our Advocacy Director. Zach and Adam shared many passions like hockey, lacrosse, off-roading and the outdoors. Adam tought Zach many life lessons, including teaching him how to off-road and how to drive manual. Adam got Zach to work alongside him at A1 Insulators one summer & he saw first-hand how hardworking and determined Adam was.
Zach wanted to help create the Big Red Mental Health Society because he, along with the rest of us, was quite in shock and amazed about how well Adam hid his struggles. Awareness is something Zach wants to focus on, in hopes to guide an open approach of communication around this desperate cause.
