Cyclists, get ready to gear up this Saturday for mental health.

Join cyclists from across Manitoba and even the northern United States for a fundraiser in support of Eden Health Services.

Earl Reimer, director of development for the Eden Foundation, encourages individuals of all ages and skill levels to come out to Colbert Beach for a great ride in support of a cause that everyone can get behind.

The Eden Foundation serves as supporting financial arm of Eden Health Care Services and their various programs, particularly their unique approach to mental health. Reimer says that a variety of "bits and pieces" combine to create the organization.

"We understand that mental health is multipronged," shared Reimer. "We're approaching it from a holistic perspective where housing and employment and community and friendship all make up a significant part of what it means to regain good mental health."

Their critical care facility, Eden Mental Health Centre is where the organization addresses these issues primarily. Eden also serves patients in a community setting through their Pathways Community Mental Health programming. This option is for those who have been released from hospital or may have never been hospitalized but are receiving some form of medication and counselling services.

The organization also provides community apartment housing through Eden Housing and Support, located in Winnipeg, Steinbach, and Winkler, and employment opportunities and training through Segue Career Options.

No one, Reimer says, ever gets turned away from Recovery of Hope; rates are based on each individual's ability to pay

"We prefer to have a blended population just as the rest of the world is a blended population of people." For that reason, those who live in Eden's housing arrangements vary from individuals who simply need a place to stay, to those struggling with a mental health diagnosis.

The organization has been around since 1967 when it first received its charter. It's purpose and mission date back to the Second World War and the young man who positioned themselves at that time as conscientious objectors. Able to serve in a capacity other than on the front lines, several of these men were assigned to mental health facilities.

"They saw and experienced what mental health services were like during that era," Reimer said. "So when they came back home, they made their determination that they thought we could do better."

A number of years later, their ideas and work came to fruition in the form of Eden Mental Health Centre.

Now in 2019, their vision is needed more than ever in adjusting to a constantly evolving mental health landscape. One in five people are diagnosed with some form of mental health issue, Reimer says, taking into account the numerous undiagnosed cases not included in the statistic.

"There's a large spectrum, from mild depression to more serious forms of mental health," said Reimer. By virtue of the people we know and love and interact with, the director of development says that leads him to believe that nearly everyone is affected in some way or another by the issue of mental health.

That's why the Eden Foundation is inviting people to gear up Saturday for the 17th annual Head for the Hills biking event in support of mental health.

"It's an event that takes cyclists through approximately 35, 36 [kilometres] of the Trans Canada Trail," Reimer explained. Beginning at Colert Beach, bikers will "meander" south, ending up just two miles prior to the US border.

"Marvelous setting on the side of a hill," said Reimer. "It's absolutely great fun."

A gravel/dirt road option is also available for riders who don't feel comfortable taking a more experienced, single-track trail. The route will run roughly the same distance and end in the same place. Rest stops will also be available for individuals to take breaks during their rides.

17 years ago, the ride began with about 36 riders and has grown to over 200 participants as of last year. Funds raised through the ride will go towards funding new program development, subsidizing existing services offered by Eden, provide funding for capital projects, and ultimately, build equity for future work by the organization.

"We're very pleased with the kind of response we've received from the community around us," says Reimer.