A Manitoba mental health foundation is putting the fun in fundraising with their upcoming Ride for Hope event. "The Eden Foundation is the fundraising arm for Eden Healthcare Services," says Dave Sawatsky, the Director of Development with the Eden Foundation. "Eden was started in the mid-60s by a group of eight Mennonite conferences who said that they needed to have a place and services for their members who are suffering from mental health and illnesses." The services have grown over the years, extending to the general public, offering help in Winnipeg, Winkler, and Steinbach. "We provide a range of medical services, from supportive housing, Recovery of Hope counselling, employment services for those facing obstacles to employment, and we have our Eden Mental Health Centre. We have a range of services, recognizing the growing need for mental health services in southern Manitoba." .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Ride for Hope The Eden Foundation is putting on its sixth annual Ride for Hope event on Sept 27, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the event begins at 9. E-bikes are welcome. "It's a good ride. We start at the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church on Pembina Highway. Then we do a loop, it's about 35 km, on trails. We stop at Canadian Mennonite University for a rest stop and break, and continue down Wellington. For those who are into riding, this is a great way to both get out, have a nice ride in the morning, and support the work that Eden is doing." Some of the funds raised during the ride will help people get the services needed on a sliding scale, so that people can get counselling regardless of their income. The Heart Behind the Foundation "Most of my career was in IT. I enjoyed that time and learned a lot. But it came time where I said, 'I would like to spend a part of my career in an organization that is making a direct difference in the lives of people." Sawatsky has been working with the Eden Foundation for a year now and has enjoyed the time helping people with their mental health in this way. "While I'm not a clinician, our motto is that we are providing hope, healing, and community for those who are suffering mental health challenges and are on a mental health journey. Don't lose heart. If you are in a place where you feel you need some help, please call us. Our counselling services are available and if you're in a medical, mental crisis, phone 9-1-1. For folks who are facing the ups and downs of life and you need somene to share that with, absolutely give us a call."