September 25, 2024

MUSKOKA’S MiND-AID BUS ON THE ROAD TO YOUTH HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLNESS

MUSKOKA — Sunrise to sunset Scott Turnbull and Gavin Hammond cycled 10 times around Lake Rosseau one weekend last month in support of MiND-AID, a local charity that provides mental health help for youth in Muskoka.

Starting on Friday, Aug. 16 at 6 a.m., they pedalled 658 kms. before finishing Saturday night and fundraising almost $40,000.

Their 10,000-foot elevation gain was like climbing Mount Everest, a weary Turnbull said afterward.

Scott Turnbull and Gavin Hammond were fit to go Aug. 16-17 as they mounted their bikes to cycle 10 times around Lake Rosseau raising almost $40,000 for MiND-AID and its new mobile youth wellness bus. Photo handout

But it was all for a great cause.

One that would have been easier had hopped on a bus.

Not any bus — but a special free bus designed with mental health services, resources and care for children, teens and young adults.

That’s where some of the cyclists’ money will go toward.

The launch of MiND-AID’S “mobile integrated services hub” going on the road to “assist young people in finding and receiving all they need to feel and be their best selves.”

They had a soft launch last week.

**The bus was launched last Wednesday night at Woodchester Villa in Bracebridge during a soft launch. Photos MiND-AID**

Their Hub Team will be stopping at different locations all over the Muskoka area, to host free inclusive drop-in activities and programs for youth. We will offer social & recreational hang-outs, educational workshops and Indigenous cultural and ceremonial activities.

Not sure where to start or what you need?

“No problem, we can figure it out together,” they say in their brochure and rack cards out now explaining how they can help.

How does it work?

Through the Hub, they say young people can gain immediate access to mental health and addictions care, primary health care, social and cultural supports, food security programs, housing, employment and education supports, financial supports, and so much more.

It’s a tall order.

But one they are at least attempting.

“We have collaborating partners throughout the community who are coming along for the ride, so we will have many guest visitors and interesting programs.”

If you are interested in hosting their big 40-foot bus (actually a modified mobile home), contact them and they will come to your location for visit. Their website is at: https://www.mindaidmuskoka.com/

Check out soon for their mobile Hub schedule and calendar for locations at: https://www.mindaidmuskoka.com/hub-calendar

**The 40-foot mobile Hub is tripped out to comfortably accommodate visits help youth talk about health and get a mental health wellness check-up.**

**It’s tripped out with specialty services to provide care for young people who may not always have access to any related health services.**

About MiND-AID Muskoka:

It is a local registered charity addressing a huge and growing need in the community. Young people face several barriers when trying to access help in Muskoka, often only receiving care through a hospital ER once they’ve reached a crisis point. MiND-AID staff and volunteers provides navigation assistance and support to young people and their families who are looking for help on their journey to mental wellness.

Through the Canada Helps fundraising site, over 160 individual donors gave a combined $38,629 to MiND-AID. Most of the donations came from individuals, but the total was greatly increased by the generosity of a number of local businesses and groups including Muskoka Lumber, Bask Insulation, McNair Electric, Mazenga Building Group, Northpoint Custom Homes, Propeller Fine Homes, Tamarack North, Coulson Brothers, Little Black Bow, Golden Pines Painting, Muskoka Custom Building, Kelly Project Management, The Dads of Muskoka, and the Andy Potts Memorial Foundation.

MiND-AID relies on donations, grants and funding from several sources to operate. Without the generosity and support of so many, they would cease to exist.

For more information, contact: Jody North, executive director at 844-646-3243 or email [email protected]