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A local camp director who biked 1,300 kilometres from Winnipeg to Calgary is back home.
On May 25, Kristen Schulz, interim camp director for Calvary Temple, set out on the road in hopes of raising funds to send kids to camp for free this year.
"When I look at the challenges facing kids today. When I look at everything that's coming against them, they're facing things very unique to this generation, things that I feel we're not prepared as a society to deal with, and it's leading to a loneliness epidemic," Schulz explained.
Kristen says she chose to do the trip to Calgary because she knew it would be challenging.
"I wanted the wind to be in my face," said Kristen. "I wanted to experience that adversity, just as a reminder of what our kids are fighting through now and let that lead me and inform me on how to better lead our camp this year."
Throughout almost the entire trek, Kristen says she was faced with headwinds, and on one of the days, she even experienced a sidewind that made it hard to stay on her bike.
"God spoke to me about the wind, about the lessons you learn," said Schulz. "I can't even begin to explain all the lessons that you learn. It's a life-changing endeavour."
It took 12 days to complete her journey, with Kristen arriving in Calgary last Wednesday.
"My sister was there with her kids. They met us at the Calgary sign," said Schulz. "It was overwhelming. There was a feeling of satisfaction and thankfulness for the opportunity to do it, to see people behind me and supporting me prayerfully and financially."
In the end, Kristen raised over $16,000, which will help send 350 kids to camp for free.
"I believe God has things in store for our children this year."
Donations are still being accepted on her GoFundMe page until the end of the week. Donations can also be made by calling Calvary Temple at 204-943-4551.