Two Penticton residents are pushing their physical limits this spring to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Natalie Macdonald and Bob Pond have launched the “Rise & Thrive” fundraiser, combining grueling fitness goals with a passion for mental health advocacy. Their efforts aim to inspire movement and offer support to those grappling with mental health challenges.
Rise & Thrive: A Fitness Fundraiser for Mental Health
Natalie Macdonald, owner of Tideline Wellness and a registered therapeutic counsellor, is undertaking a massive cycling challenge. Throughout May, she plans to cycle 100 kilometers every day, totaling 3,000 kilometers for the month. Bob Pond, owner of Pond Performance and an athletic therapist, is taking on a weightlifting challenge, aiming to lift 300,000 pounds by the end of May.
Personal Motivations Fueling the Challenge
Macdonald’s commitment stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges following multiple concussions in her youth. She shared that relearning basic skills was a significant hurdle and that her journey has instilled in her a desire to help others improve their mental well-being.
Pond’s motivation comes from his work with athletes who experience a loss of identity and mental toll when injuries take them out of their sport. He also shared the impact of losing teammates to suicide during his playing career, further solidifying his dedication to mental health advocacy.
Inspiring Movement and Breaking Barriers
Beyond raising funds, Macdonald and Pond hope to inspire others to take steps toward improving their physical and mental wellness. They emphasize that even small steps, like a 10-minute walk each day, can make a significant difference.
Pond is preparing for the physical demands of his challenge by building strength and resilience. Macdonald, who has been ramping up her cycling since January with the help of a coach, acknowledges the mental and physical challenges ahead. Completing 100 kilometers daily, which translates to about three and a half to four hours on the bike, will be a demanding task.
Community Support and Celebration
The “Rise & Thrive” fundraiser will culminate in a gala on May 31 at the District Wine Village. The event will feature a silent auction, live music, drinks, and canapés, offering a chance for the community to celebrate the challenge’s completion and further support the cause.
CMHA Kelowna’s Push-Up Challenge: A Precedent for Fitness-Based Mental Health Initiatives
The Rise & Thrive challenge follows in the footsteps of other fitness-based mental health initiatives, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Kelowna’s “Push-Up Challenge”. This challenge encourages participants to complete 2,000 push-ups over 18 days, symbolizing the approximate number of lives lost to suicide worldwide. The Push-Up Challenge, founded in Australia in 2018, saw over 49,000 Canadians participate in 2024, raising $2.4 million.
Okanagan College’s Focus on Recreation and Wellness
Recognizing the link between physical activity and mental well-being, Okanagan College is also prioritizing recreation and wellness. The college is currently fundraising to build a Recreation and Wellness Centre on its Kelowna campus, aiming to create a space that inspires movement, connection, and mental well-being for students.
How to Get Involved
- Donate: Support Natalie Macdonald and Bob Pond’s “Rise & Thrive” fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
- Participate: Take on your own fitness challenge, no matter how small, to improve your physical and mental health.
- Spread Awareness: Share the “Rise & Thrive” story and encourage others to support mental health initiatives in the community.
- Attend the Gala: Celebrate the completion of the challenge and support the cause at the gala on May 31 at the District Wine Village.
By supporting initiatives like “Rise & Thrive,” the community can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide vital resources for mental health support.
