About 300 people came out to publically show support for issues that are often kept private at Ottawa's Walk So Kids Can Talk on Sunday.

The cross-country event benefits Kids Help Phone, a 24-7 confidential mental health crisis line that took 100,000 calls from Ottawa-area youth last year.

"I was bullied in high school myself for being gay, because I was out in school," said Sean Harris, now 32 years old. "When I came out I felt like I was going to be suicidal and I used Kids Help Phone to help me through my rough time."

The Hamilton family said they've been affected by mental illness for many generations, calling their team The Off Rockers and trying to have fun while they get help.

"We're trying to have some fun," said Lea Hamilton. "It's part of who we are and we're OK with that."

St. Pius High School's team raised $1,000 and carried a banner with the names of all who pledged to help.

"I think two of the biggest (reasons for calling) are stress and depression," said Vanessa Bascelli.

CTV Ottawa's parent company Bell Canada is a founding sponsor of the Kids Help Phone, with president and CEO George Cope participating in Ottawa's walk.

"We can't leave them in that situation so this particular program is wonderful," he said. "I have children and they won't necessarily tell us everything that's going on, so if they have another outlet that's something every parent wants to see and we want to be a part of that."

Six and a half million Canadian youth use the service every year.

Organizers said the number of calls is increasing in the Ottawa area, with $2.5 million needing to be raised across the country to keep the line running.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman