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The Prairie Thousand Wounded Warriors fundraiser cycling trip to ride through Bow Island

Posted on July 23, 2021 by 40 Mile Commentator

Commentator/Courier

Rob and Marina Nederlof will leave their home in Wawanesa, Man. on Aug. 11 to embark on a 1,000 kilometre biking journey that will end in Lethbridge  Aug. 20.

The cycling trip is meant to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warriors Canada.

“The goal of this journey is to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada and the Support Dog Program,” said Rob in a press release.

“As a sergeant in the military and veteran of three tours of duty I have seen too many people suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues, and rather than simply be a witness I want to contribute to the healing of these men and women.”

Rob’s goal is to raise $5,000, which is devoted to pay for a part of the $15,000 cost of raising and training a PTSD support dog.

“An animal like this means the difference between life and death for someone,” he said.

“It may not necessarily be a military veteran; it might be a first responder or dispatch operator.  Anyone that experiences trauma has the potential of suffering from PTSD.”

Rob is wanting to make sure that while he is still able mentally and physically to help support the Wounded Warriors of Canada.

“This cycling journey is my way of contributing,” he said.

“I have a passion for cycling and recognized that could be the best way for me to help.  Spreading the message that there is mental health support and taking that message across the prairies is something I could do.  I researched the various support groups and decided WWC was the best fit for my goal.”

Rob added, “So, between my wife and myself we designed our route, and planned as many aspects of the tour as we could manage.

The tour will come through Bow Island, Medicine Hat and Maple Creek on Aug. 18.

Questions about the journey can be emailed to prairiethousand@gmail.com.

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