Written by Chris Sumner for Pembina Valley Online on Monday, 08 September 2014
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Head for the Hills participants enjoy the view of the Pembina Valley
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More than $68,000 was raised Saturday during Eden Foundation's 12th annual Head for the Hills event. 172 registered riders travelled either a 36 kilometre long road or trail course through the Pembina Hills.
“Twelve years ago we started this thing, because I enjoy bikes and I had friends who did, and it's a healthy pursuit,” said Eden Health Care Services C.E.O. James Friesen after he came off the course. “The event has just grown every year, and we say at what point will this thing level off, and it still continues to climb.”
The ride is designed so any one can participate, and that proved true when 80 year old's Jake Gerbrandt and Dave Lumgair completed the event within minutes of each other.
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Kyle Berg was the first to cross the finish line
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The first to cross the finish line was Kyle Berg who rode the road course, and told us after catching his breath it's easy to see why supporting the organization is a great idea. “Look at what they stand for, and then if you look around, a lot of the services in the Winkler and even Southern Manitoba area, this organization plays a huge part in some of the mental health services that go on, and sometimes things you don't even know they are involved in.”
Friesen says the ongoing support means a lot.
“Part of my ride along the way is the privilege of visiting, in terms of why are you doing this ride, and the personal stories I've collected over the years are extremely powerful and gratifying to myself personally and also to the organization,” noted Friesen. “Everyone's affected by mental health (and) mental illness, either themselves, family members, or friends. That connection is something that is a strong part of this event.”
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Altona's Team Bunge was the highest fundraising group. John Loewen was the highest fundraising individual.
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