Hiking, biking and horseback riding can raise awareness for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The first charity fundraiser is set at Larch Hills, Sept. 24, and participants can raise money while enjoying a hike, bike or a ride atop a horse. All proceeds will go to the War Horse Awareness Foundation.
Organizer Kjara Breknell hopes to make this an annual event.
“It supports emergency service workers with PTSD and other occupational stress injuries. I think we need to start taking care of our community service workers. We expect them to show up for us, but I’m trying to give an opportunity for the community to show up for them,” she said.
Her husband works as a part-time paramedic.
The hikes take place from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
A Mini Wellness Fair will take place during the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with about six practitioners offering their insights.
There will also be a silent auction and raffle, and no participation on a hike, bike or ride is necessary to bid.
Prizes will also be given for the highest fundraiser, best outfit and farthest distance travelled to attend.
The routes are set at a moderate difficulty level, with hiking and biking routes taking around two hours to complete.
The horse trails can be completed in two or four hours depending on the trail chosen.
Breknell thought Larch Hills’ trails would be an appropriate place for the fundraiser as the combination of nature and sense of community provides stress relief.
There will also be a potluck dinner at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Breknell at kjara@telus.net.
To make a donation, visit warhorse awareness.com.
