Over $12,000 is being raised by TC Energy in a cycling fundraiser for Wounded Warriors Canada’s (WWC) Ride for Mental Health event in Meaford.
On Aug. 20, a group of about 20 cyclists took to the roads around Meaford to raise funds for the organization, which bring awareness to the mental health needs of veterans, first responders, as well as their families.
TC Energy has raised about $80,000 for WWC, with the $12,000 coming from the Meaford team. The Meaford team was one of two TC Energy groups participating, as another ride was also scheduled for Saturday just outside of Calgary.
WWC representative and Ride Director Steven Topham says they had a distance planned of 25 and 50 kilometres for two groups.
He added other groups across Canada, including one in North Bay, would be riding 160 kilometres.
“The event is a fundraising opportunity that allows Canadians to come together and have very meaningful conversations on the road about mental health in support of veteran and first responder communities,” says Topham.
Topham says they have already eclipsed their fundraising goal as WWC was able to rake in around $350,000 from the event running across the country, and hope to break the $400,000 mark.
Topham adds the funds will help people across Canada, and as the organization has partnerships in the Grey Bruce area, WWC will be able to provide support to those who need it.
“It allows Wounded Warriors Canada to continue to develop programming to meet the ever changing and adapting needs of our veteran and first responder communities that have been impacted by operational stress injuries,” says Topham.