Community Wellness Ride expanding in its ninth year

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)-Central Alberta Region and the Central Alberta Brain Injury Society (CABIS) are the recipients of the funds raised during the event.

Brilz said the funds raised go back into programming in the community for mental health awareness and support as well as for those with brain injuries in the recovery stages.

“I think there’s a lot more awareness about mental health concerns in the community and a lot more willingness to support programs like ours,” said Brilz.

Since its inception, the Community Wellness Ride has raised over $175,000.

For the first time in a number of years, the Wellness Ride will also feature celebrity riders. Retired professional cyclists Tyler Hamilton and Alex Stieda will attend the event later this month.

“Due to scheduling conflicts, it has been a few years since we have had a celebrity rider at the event”, explains CMHA Executive Director Trish McAllister-Hall, “so to have not one but two world renowned riders lending their support really means a lot.”

Both are former competitors in the Tour de France. Hamilton is also an author, while Stieda is a former Olympian and medallist at the Commonwealth Games.

“CABIS has programs like their brain walk and for CMHA we have a number of education programs. Each year after the ride we look at where the funds will most benefit the agencies,” Brilz went on to say.

The Brain Walk is an interactive program that visits all schools in Central Alberta with a 10 station learning experience about the brain.

Registration is open for the ride and the fee to register is $25.

For more information or to register visit www.wellnessride.ca

by Kirsten Dennis

Community Wellness Ride expanding in its ninth year

What's Trending