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Join the ride to support Southlake's mental health program

'I encourage all cyclists in our communities to join my Southlake colleagues and me for this fantastic ride,' says Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, new chief of staff
SouthlakeRegionalHealthCentreFoundation
New Southlake chief of staff Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, with her children, Lise and Gabe, is taking part in the Sept. 25 NewRoads LakeRide.

Southlake’s new chief of staff, Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, as well as Southlake and Southlake Foundation presidents and CEOs Arden Krystal and Jennifer Ritter, are gearing up for NewRoads LakeRide in support of the Newmarket hospital’s mental health program this Sunday, Sept. 25.

“The NewRoads LakeRide is a wonderful annual event that engages the communities our hospital serves,” van Schaik says. “There are also many physical and mental benefits of cycling or participating in sporting activities. Combined with local health-care fundraising, it’s a win-win for everyone!”

Riders of all abilities will set off from the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket, cycling routes ranging from 10 to 125 kilometres. Guest this year include Georgia Simmerling, a bronze medallist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, and Ed Veal, a world-class cyclist who has competed in the Commonwealth Games and PanAm Games.

“I encourage all cyclists in our communities to join my Southlake colleagues and me for this fantastic ride. We are so grateful to all participants for supporting this wonderful event and fundraising for much needed upgrades at our hospital. We couldn’t do it without donor support,” van Schaik says.

The NewRoads LakeRide supports Southlake’s mental health program. 

“Support for mental health is crucial. There is no doubt that the pandemic has dramatically increased the need for Southlake’s mental health services,” van Schaik adds. 

About Better Begins Today campaign

Southlake Foundation’s Better Begins Today campaign was launched in 2020 with a goal of raising $7.5 million to expand and upgrade Southlake’s spaces to meet modern, standard approaches to mental health care that provide patients with peace, security and privacy. 

Thanks to community support, Southlake is opening a new 12-bed adult inpatient mental health unit in January to care for 400 more patients each year. Designed specifically to meet the needs of mental health patients, the new unit will provide bright, welcoming, healing spaces with private rooms, a secure outdoor patio and common areas for dining, socializing, group therapy and family visits.  

Over the years, dedicated riders of all abilities have helped raise vital funds for Southlake’s most urgent needs, which total over $300,000 to date. Riders can register as individuals or join a team, and donations can be made online here.

Learn more about Better Begins Today here.