Do you love to ride your bike?
Do you love to help your community?
Do you want to help raise money for a great cause in your community?
Good news! You can do all this and more, with one easy click. Just register for the LakeRide here.
NewRoads Automotive Group’s LakeRide is back for its eighth year on Sept. 10, raising money for mental health programs at Southlake Regional Health Centre. There are route options from 10 km to 125 km, for all ages and abilities to ride, donate, and support.
“Mental health is so important, and so deserving of our help,” said Rachel Hawtin, Community Liaison and Brand Manager at NewRoads. “It’s something we at NewRoads feel very passionate about, and we have been helping Southlake raise funds for this programming for these past seven years,” she added.
In seven years, the LakeRide event has raised more than $400,000, with over $100,000 raised in the 2022 ride alone. “This year, we really want to take it over the top,” said Hawtin. “Our goal this year is to raise $250,000 from the ride.”
Last year, the ride helped raise funds to open seven new inpatient beds in Southlake’s mental health facility. “These beds are really helping to make a difference in our community, supporting those who need it,” said Hawtin.
National track cyclist and Paris 2024 hopefuls Ed Veal and Sarah Orban are passionate about the ride as well. They are both riding with registrants on race day, to support the event and the cause.
“Ed Veal has ridden with us in the past, he is a big supporter. Southlake has helped his family, he is from the area, so we can always count on his support,” said Hawtin. “He has just done so much in the sport. He’s an exceptional athlete and person. Sarah Orban is thrilled to be riding with us as well,” added Hawtin.
NewRoads CEO Michael Croxon will also be getting in on the fun. "Michael rides every year and was at the ribbon cutting for the new wing last year. He is dedicated to this event and Southlake,” said Hawtin.
NewRoads has lots of generous sponsors for the ride, with local businesses, cities and towns chipping in to help. “It’s a wonderful community effort, with everyone pitching in,” said Hawtin.
All in all, Sept. 10 promises to be a great day for riders and for Southlake’s mental health programs. Register or donate today to be a part of it. After all, it takes a community to help a community.
You can register or donate online here.