Close to 200 cycling enthusiasts gathered south of Morden Saturday for the annual Head for the Hills fundraiser in support of the Eden Foundation.
A final tally was not available at press time, but the event generally raises around $100,000 for the foundation each year, so it has a tremendous impact.
“This is our biggest event both in terms of the number of participants and the funds raised, so it is one of our flagship events,” said Dave Sawatsky, director of development for the foundation.
“We rely on this event and a few others to help fund our programs,” he noted. “This is major part of contributing to the mental health of the communities here.”
Kelby Friesen of Mitchell was participating for his second time. He says he greatly values the work of Eden, including through his own work as a pastor.
“Our conference is connected with the Eden Foundation, and there’s a gentleman from our church who is a board member, so he always encourages cyclists from the church to join in,” said Friesen.
“I do quite a bit of cycling,” he noted. “And I grew up in this area. This is a lot hillier than Steinbach, so it’s a little bit more challenging.
“It’s always more exciting to ride with a crowd rather than by myself,” Friesen added. “It’s fantastic. It’s a good thing.”
Michael Payne of Morden has also participated a few times now.
“I just love seeing everyone get together here and just see lots of families and kids and communities out and just heading for the hills and getting some exercise and just having fun,” he said.
Payne noted it was unfortunate the route had to changed due to the conditions, but he enjoyed it regardless.
“It’s a pity the trail was closed this year, but we still have fun on the gravel.
“It’s just good to get outside and in a little bit of nature … I’m not neccesarily a road biker, but I love the trails around Morden … and I just love being out away from all the hustle and bustle and getting some exercise and being out and about in nature.
“And there’s no better cause than the Eden Foundation,” he added. “They do some fantastic work.”
Sawatsky it is great to see people of all ages and backgrounds out to support the event.
“We have great support from the Hutterite communities,” he noted. “Many colonies are represented here … and some of them are our biggest fundraisers.”
