Tyler Smith is the founder of Not Alone Co., a mental health awareness clothing line that facilitates conversations around PTSD, trauma and mental health. Tyler is also a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, an accident that made national headlines as one of the most horrific tragedies in recent Canadian history. He’s turned adversity into advocacy, using his platform to destigmatize mental health and spread a message of hope on the national stage, including as the winner of the Amazing Race Canada.
Tyler joins United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) as keynote speaker for the Community Impact Awards on March 13.
Calgarian Tyler Smith never planned on being a spokesperson for mental health. His life changed suddenly when, on April 6, 2018, he and his Humboldt Broncos teammates experienced a tragedy no one should ever have to face – a bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 teammates, coaches and staff of his junior hockey team.
After recovering from his physical injuries, Tyler briefly returned to the Broncos, but soon recognized his mental health required urgent attention.
Through conversations and community, he came to understand the power of vulnerability, courage and safe spaces for healing.
Driving hope and inspiring change in the mental health space
Tyler regularly speaks about his passion for mental health advocacy and how he believes community connections can inspire hope throughout our city. He also puts a strong emphasis on the importance of community in mental health.
“You look at times when you’re in distress or you’re uncomfortable. A lot of the time, you will look for other people to see if they are going through the same situation that you’re going through. I think you really do need those connections in your life and a connection through a community, a common ground…I think community is definitely one of the most important aspects of mental health.”
Tyler’s involvement with United Way stems from his admiration for the organization’s broad impact. “United Way is somebody that everybody knows about. But being able to actually dive into it and understand the overall impact that they’re making every single day in a wide variety of worlds…is something that really did draw me to them,” he says.
The power of authentic conversations
Tyler believes in the power of authentic conversation. He highlights talking as one of the most vital aspects of mental health. “I think it’s going into a conversation…I don’t know what you need from me right now but just know that I’m here…whenever you need it, I will be here for conversation, whatever it is,” he says. “That can hopefully help propel that person to start thinking about it in a sense of – OK, I don’t have to have that conversation right now. I don’t have to converse when I’m at my lowest or at my highest. But there are times where it’s like, OK, maybe I need to talk.”
Tyler’s journey from the Humboldt tragedy to becoming a leading voice in mental health advocacy is a testament to his resilience. He hopes that his story can inspire others to embrace their own resilience and seek the support they need.
Join us on March 13 at the Community Impact Awards to hear Tyler’s inspiring story and celebrate the changemakers who are making a difference in our community. Hope is in your hands to create a brighter future through the power of connection and collective action.
About United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is celebrating 85 years of innovation and impact. Since 1940, we have united individuals, workplaces, community partners and government to create lasting social change.
Rooted in a global movement more than a century ago, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of collective community action. We invest strategically, partner with purpose and mobilize agencies to work together and solve complex social issues like poverty and mental health. Our work and investments stay local.
Join us in shaping the future. Visit hope.uwca.ca to be part of the change. Thank you for 85 years of inspiring hope and strengthening our community.