On Saturday morning 140 bicyclists took to road and trail
for the 10th annual Head for the Hills bike ride. Not only was this the largest ever contingent
of riders to have taken part in this event but it also raised the greatest
amount of support in the ten years of the ride’s existence.
Eden Foundation organizers had set out the challenge to
participants to raise support in excess of the year previous. The purpose of the challenge was that if the
goal wa met, the Head for the Hills bike ride would have raised a half million
dollars in support of Eden Health Care Services programs. Participants and sponsors did not disappoint
and the mark was met.
The money that Eden Foundation has raised from this event
and others goes to support the programs of Eden Health Care Services. Services such as helping people receive
professional counselling services, support for helping people who have been
referred to the organization to find work and develop a sense of belonging to
the community; services such as helping those with issues of mental health to
find a place to live. These services are
part of a firm belief that people with issues of mental health can achieve
hope, healing and recovery.
Head for the Hills bike ride organizers received numerous
notes and phone calls from riders expressing thanks for a well-organized
event. A number of the participants also
expressed thanks for well groomed trails and were impressed by the fact that
land-owners in the area allowed their land to be used for this event and in
some cases participating in the grooming of the trails.
From Altona, “…Thanks to you and everyone from Eden for a
very well organized and fun ride on Saturday!”
From Winnipeg, “…There are riders in Winnipeg that would
love to come out to ride your trails…”
From Winkler, “…This was my first time riding Head for the
Hills, I’ll be back next year…”
From Cavalier, ND, “…Even our church
pastor spoke to the congregation about this event. It will be a positive influence in our
community.”
Eden Health Care Services is encouraged by the involvement
of participants both as riders and in their willingness to raise funds through
their identification with the cause.
The 2013 Head for the Hills is scheduled for Saturday
September 14th 2013.
