Steinbach Tractor Trek Video

Winkler Tractor Trek Video

Head for the Hills 2012

The Head for the Hills Bike Ride is scheduled for Saturday September 8^th.  This is a special year for this Eden Foundation fund-raising event; special in that it’s the 10^th anniversary ride.  Ten years ago, James Friesen the CEO of Eden Health Care Services combined his passion for riding with his compassion for those who deal with mental health issues and the Head for the Hills Bike Ride became a reality.

Over these past nine years, riders from all over have come to ride in the hills.  The ride is scenic and roughly follows the Trans Canada Trail from Colert Beach near Morden, MB meandering southward for some 36 kilometers to a destination along the edge of the Pembina Escarpment not far from the US border.  As in previous years, two routes are planned, one which takes the rider along a groomed trail through wooded areas as well as road ways and the second route taking the rider along a road course and equally as scenic as the first.

The unique feature of the Head for the Hills Bike Ride is that it is suitable for a variety of participants.  Past participants have included young riders along with their parents, those who would feel comfortable being identified as casual riders and those who would be more accurately identified as dedicated aficionados.

 The cost of registration is set low so that as many people as possible can have the experience of riding in an organized event.  There are many reasons for a rider to participate, not the least of which is the sheer enjoyment of riding together with others but it is a fund-raising event and it is the hope of the organizers that participants will pick up the challenge of calling for pledges from their circle of acquaintances.  Those funds are fully tax-deductible and will be used to support the efforts and programs that the community has called Eden Health Care Services to provide on its behalf.

The Head for the Hills Bike Ride has become one of Eden’s most important fund-raising events of the year, with the last two years having raised in excess of $62,000 each year.  The goal for the 10^th anniversary ride is to raise $80,000 and if that goal can be achieved, the bike ride can accurately claim to have raised $500,000 in ten years.  It is an exciting prospect that the event organizers hope riders will catch a vision for.  It appears to be an achievable goal and a modest increase in effort when added together will make an enormous impact to the end result.

Eden Health Care Services is involved with programs that have a broader spectrum than what our government provides funding for.  Projects that provide housing for those who otherwise wouldn’t have a place to live are funded by co-operation between our government and Eden and the only way that the Eden portion of the partnership can exist is by the funds raised by an event like Head for the Hills.  Employment counselling and training likewise receives help from our government in a partnership arrangement but again requires the participation of the community to help bring it to realization.

Then there are those occasions where people can benefit from personal counselling and Recovery of Hope provides a team of trained and qualified consellors to answer that need.  This being a fee-for-service program and being that no one is turned away because of an inability to pay those fees, Eden Foundation helps to make up the difference between the actual cost of providing the service and the level at which clients have the capability to participate.  Head for the Hills is a significant event in making it possible to cover that difference.

It is estimated that one in five people over the course of their lifetime have dealt with or are dealing with or will deal matters of mental health.  Eden Health Care Services has as its vision to actively engage in sharing Christ’s hope and healing wherever mental health needs are found.  Head for the Hills Bike Ride is an integral part to make that happen and the involvement of each and every rider helps Eden achieve that goal.

Riders can register on line at www.edenhealth.mb.ca and those who are willing to sponsor a rider can also access the list of riders and donate in support.

Manager Al and Segue Client Cutis

The following story was written by Cutis in his own words.

“After two months of recovery I went to Linden Place for two years to get my life back on track.  Under the Supervision of Bev Dyck and staff, I was able to get my routine of everyday living.  Through Linden Place and Bev Dyck I was introduced to Segue Career Options.  There I was introduced to Art Friesen, Employment Facilitator.  If I was going to gain employment Segue would give me the best chance to do so.  Under Art’s guidance I learned about the kinds of services they offer.  It was more of a step by step approach of the skills and training that an individual would need to have a better chance of finding the job that’s suited for you.  Work experience opportunities are also offered by Segue so that you can get a hands-on approach to the job you want.  My first work experience was at Winkler Co-op/Appliance; I had found a job as a delivery driver for a retailer for appliances and electronics.  I learned about driving a delivery vehicle and setting up appliances and electronics in customer’s homes (washer/dryer, fridge, TVs).  The store was located in a strip mall when I first started working.  Just about a week short of working two years at Co-op, a new store was built on Main Street.  Art was very good at finding me this job.  I was very grateful because it’s a job I like.  Art helped me work up to the kind of training and/or skills that were needed in the workplace.  Along with work experience I was able to feel comfortable again in a working environment.  The last part of the services provided by Segue was the follow-up.  Art would come in and ask me how I was feeling about my work and get feedback from my employer.  All of it has been positive.  Currently I’m still working in the new store doing delivers and am looking for good things in the next year.”