'Don't waste your pain': Annual Sudbury event aims to inspire

After tragedy, a mother's love lives on Denise Sandul of Sudbury is the woman behind Crosses for Change downtown and a mother who loves her son so loudly even after his passing.

In a special five-part series, CTV News Northern Ontario is sharing the stories of some of the volunteers behind the annual Five Cent City event about how they turned their personal pain and struggles around to something positive with purpose.

Each episode will air on CTV News at 6 and be available on CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca each night leading up to this year's event Aug. 27.

Check back here for new episodes that deal with sensitive subject matter and how it relates to mental health.

Monday night, Jennifer Falcioni will share her story of losing her partner to an accidental drug overdose five years ago.

On Tuesday night, hear the story of Gerry Lalonde, a 63-year old biker who has found strength and purpose after years of dealing with drug addiction, criminal activity and jail time.

Turning personal pain into a greater purpose Turning personal pain into a greater purpose in a new 5-part series called Five Cent City. (Alana Pickrell/CTV Northern Ontario)

On Wednesday, Kathryn Schwedhelm shares her struggles after leaving home at age 13, living on the streets, getting involved in drugs and experiencing different forms of human trafficking. She also talks about working in addictions and recovery and the current community outreach she is doing now.

Kathryn Schwedhelm knows what it is like to be hom Kathryn Schwedhelm knows what it is like to be homeless, now she is helping others. (Alana Pickrell/CTV Northern Ontario)

On Thursday, Zak Sivret shares how he learned how to combine physical and mental health to deal with his emotions after losing his mother to suicide.

Zak Sivret uses movement to deal with emotions Zak Sivret learned to deal with his emotions through movement and is now teaching others how to do the same. (Alana Pickrell/CTV Northern Ontario)

On Friday, Denise Sandul, the creator of a Sudbury memorial for people who have died by overdose at the intersection of Brady Street and Paris Street, Sudbury's Crosses for Change, shares how a mother's love can continue to be expressed even after a child's passing.

Denise Sandul is behind Crosses for Change Denise Sandul of Sudbury is the woman behind Crosses for Change downtown and a mother who loves her son so loudly even after his passing. (Alana Pickrell/CTV Northern Ontario)

THE EVENT

Five Cent City is being held in the parking lot beside The Grand nightclub at the corner of Elm and Elgin streets.

It will feature a free hip hop concert, dunk show with Jordan Kilganon, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, low rim dunk and basketball shooting contest, live music, DJs, speeches along with free pizza and snacks.

A kids program for children ages 12 and under is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The main event runs from 5 – 10 p.m.

A look at a previous Five Cent City event:

On Sunday, the grassroots group released a video anthem.