The Eden Foundation’s annual Head for the Hills cycling event took place this past weekend, raising awareness and support for mental health initiatives.
Despite facing some weather challenges, the event proved to be a success, raising approximately $90,000.
Dave Sawatsky, who recently joined the Eden Foundation as the Director of Development, shared his impressions of his first Head for the Hills event.
“I have to say I’m so impressed with the community involvement with this event, from the Hutterites to businesses, to individuals coming from far and wide to be here and to participate in this.” He continued, “It’s a beautiful day to participate but really, they’re giving a day to help to raise funds in support of folks who have mental health challenges.”
Quinn Friesen, the event coordinator, reported a turnout of 180 cyclists, and roughly 20 volunteers, bringing in a respectable chunk of donations.
“As of right now, we’re sitting at around $90,000, but that will ebb and flow as the week goes on,” Friesen noted. She also acknowledged that this amount is likely to increase as online donations continue to be processed, and as of the writing of this article, is sitting at $104,000.
Top Fundraising Team
Friesen also spotlit the exceptional effort of the top fundraising team – the Waber Wheelers - which raised well over $20,000. “That is no small feat. It is very emotional... It goes quicker than you think, but is so huge and instrumental and it is not easy going out and asking for help and for money, and the same goes for mental health.”
Sawatzky emphasized the importance of this event to the Eden Foundation, saying, “It probably represents a sizeable percentage of our annual fundraising budget in total. So, this is the largest event that we have and so we couldn’t help to support the programs without this event in the ways that we do. So, it means a lot to have this event, to have the support that we had, and to raise this much money.”
The Head for the Hills event continues to demonstrate and cement the Eden Foundation’s place as a needed resource.
“It’s a testament to Eden’s place in the community,” Sawatzky concluded. “When people approach their friends and say, ‘Hey, I’m cycling in this event, would you contribute?’ and people just open their wallets, it’s a testament to the work that Eden has already done... and also a testament to the fact that there’s a lot more work to do.”
