World Suicide Prevention Week kicked off Saturday in Windsor with five and 22 kilometre walks.

The community joined other municipalities across the province and the nation in drawing attention to suicide prevention.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor Essex is leading the campaign to bring awareness about mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

For veteran Jeff Gravel, walking the 22 kilometres means he's standing in solidarity with comrades who have lost their lives to suicide.

Officials say each day 22 veterans take their own lives.

"It's tough on the survivors because they try and figure out what could have been done differently. What did they miss and it's not always about that," says Gravel.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week will be held from Saturday until next Friday. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Week local planning group includes representatives from all sectors including workplace, health services, community and schools.