Peterborough-area cross-country skiers have raised $16,800 for the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR)’s new homelessness project.
The eight-hour ski relay — presented by Wild Rock Outfitters and Kawartha Nordic with the support of Ashburnham Ale House — was held on January 22 at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club located off Highway 28 just north of Haultain in North Kawartha Township.
The event was organized by John Hauser, a Wild Rock staff member and Kawartha Nordic board member, who also organized a 24-hour ski marathon for mental health last February.
“I believe the success of this fundraiser shows how much the people of Peterborough care about the issue of homelessness in our city,” Hauser says in a media release, adding “I’m so pleased.”
Eleven teams and 40 skiers participated in the event, exceeding the $15,000 fundraising goal, with Dynacast Peterborough and Cambium the top fundraising teams.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of event organizer John Hauser, Wild Rock Outfitters, Kawartha Nordic, and Ashburnham Ale House,” says CMHA HKPR CEO Mark Graham.
Proceeds from the ski relay will support the organization’s Garden Homes Project which, through its Supportive Housing program, aims to support vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.
Through the project, CMHA HKPR will be creating small, custom-built housing for individuals or small families within Peterborough. This project is one of the first of its kind in the region and we hope to pave the way for similar projects and more affordable housing in the future.
“The funds raised through the ski relay will go a long way in helping us launch the Garden Homes Project,” Graham says. “Thanks to this fundraiser, we have now reached our fundraising target and are able to purchase the first Garden Home.”
