Meet the Board - Kirk Muyres
April 25, 2019
Kirk Muyres
Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I grew up in St. Gregor, SK (1.5 hours east of Saskatoon), we spent our winters in the Curling rink and summers on the baseball field and at the farm where we farmed about 2,500 acres of grain. I decided when I was a teenager that I would pursue Curling as hard as I could and see what was possible for me. 15 years since that decision I am still working hard on my dreams of winning the Brier for Saskatchewan and winning an Olympic Gold medal for Canada in the sport of Curling. I have built my life around Curling, which led me to my profession of mortgage brokering. Mortgage Brokering has allowed me the freedom of self-employment and the ability to travel the world, playing the game I love.
What originally sparked your interest in being an advocate for mental health?
I was a a part of a fundraising calendar with my Curling peers and I saw Lesley and Kim talk openly about mental health on social media. I knew I wanted to find something special to help and when I saw them on social media, it just clicked.. that was what I wanted to support and be a part of. The ag industry has been such a big part of my life and the support I have received from Agriculture is unbelievable (being a Curler in Saskatchewan, farmers love Curling!!!). The stories they told really resonated with me and made me realize that the support was not there for for mental health in the ag industry.
Why is mental health important to you?
I think it is the fact that everyone has a story and everyone has been affected by mental health (myself included, Social Anxiety as a young adult and even now at times). It is a part of our society, culture and industry where we can literally help and have a positive impact on every single person; that is a powerful thing in our world.
What gives you the most hope for the landscape of mental health in agriculture?
I think the way the industry has changed in even the past 1-2 years and the way that people have opened up and starting telling their story and be vulnerable and open to the discussion. We have a long ways to go, but my goodness it is exciting to see the cultural shift that has happened already. It shows you that the people in our industry can be some of the most compassionate, helpful, & loving people.
What does being a board member with The Do More Agriculture Foundation mean to you?
I am honoured to be a part of a group that is helping the industry and our society in such a meaningful way. It is amazing the difference that has been made already and we are just getting rolling! I am so humbled to be surrounded with the other board members and founders. I sit back and learn every day from some of the best minds and most compassionate people in our industry and it is pretty cool to be seated next to them, soaking it all in.
If you could share one message with someone struggling, what would it be?
You are not alone, we all struggle at times, it is normal. It is not easy, it is very very hard. Reach out and chat with someone, anyone.. even me. Sometimes that chat can make all the difference.
