About 500 Hunting Hills High School students will be cycling to raise awareness for mental wellness and support initiatives on Thursday.
Students, as well as staff, will hop on stationary bikes for the school’s biennial Bike-A-Thon to empower youth to take proactive measures to maintain their mental wellness. Several community members will also take part in the event.
Organized by the school’s Leadership Team, the event allows student to connect as a school and support their peers while promoting mental wellness and raising funds for projects that advocate for student wellness in the school and community.
To kick off the event, Skylar Roth-MacDonald, who ran across Canada in 2021 also to support mental wellness, will address participants.
“Today, I am fortunate to be able to share my story with others in the hope of inspiring others not just to chase their dreams but to take care of their mental health as well. When we have a sound mind, we have a sound body,” said the former Red Deerian and Hunting Hills graduate, in a statement.
Roth-MacDonald raised money and awareness for the Canadian Mental Health Association through his cross-Canada Smiles for Miles campaign.
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Red Deer native faces gruelling days in B.C. on his cross-Canada run for mental health
In 2022, the Hunting Hills Bike-A-Thon raised just over $33,000 to bring the total amount raised during six events to $311,800.
Money raised this year will support mental wellness at Hunting Hills, including the breakfast program and post-secondary scholarships, in addition to community organizations such as Turning Point and Vantage Community Services.