A pair of local cyclists are riding for MiND-AID

Two of Muskoka’s most avid cyclists are once again taking on a riding challenge in support of a local registered charity doing amazing things.

My buddy Scott Turnbull and his buddy Gavin Hammond are going to ride their bikes around Lake Rosseau as many times as they can in support of MiND-Aid. The local charity provides mental health help for youth in the region.

Back in 2021, Turnbull and Hammond raised over $50,000 for Enliven Cancer Care by riding 500 km over 20 hours – riding to the northernmost and southernmost tips of Muskoka.

This year’s challenge is a 65 km grind around Lake Rosseau featuring great pavement, beautiful views and some of the steepest hills in the area – once around the loop equals about one km of uphill climbing.

They will be taking on the loop from the morning of August 17 until the evening of August 18. and will be attempting to do it as many times as possible. To get an idea of what they’re attempting, doing the loop five times be like riding from Muskoka to Niagara Falls; going around the lake nine times would be the same cumulative elevation gain as climbing Mt. Everest.

Addressing a Need

The funds raised will support MiND-AID, which is dedicated to addressing a huge and growing need in the community.

Young people face several barriers when trying to access help in Muskoka, often only receiving care through a hospital ER once they’ve reached a crisis point.

MiND-AID staff and volunteers provides navigation assistance and support to young people and their families who are looking for help on their journey to mental wellness. 

As many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health problem, and five out of six of those kids will not receive the treatment they need.

Thirty-six per cent of Ontario parents have sought help for their child; of those who did, four in 10 didn’t receive the help they needed or are still waiting for treatment.

MiND-AID relies on donations, grants and funding from several sources to operate. Without the generosity and support of so many, they would cease to exist.

Turnbull and Hammond’s fundraising goal this year is a modest $10,000, but if they get more than that, they’ll be ecstatic.

To donate, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/lake-rosseau-x-for-mind-aid-muskoka/

All proceeds go directly to MiND-AID. Donors will receive a tax receipt for 100 per cent of their donation. Donation pledges per loop around the lake are encouraged!