Todd Martin will get back in the saddle once again next summer.

Martin will once again participate in Wounded Warriors' Battlefield Bike Ride. Last year Martin, a veteran of several tours, raised $19,000 for Wounded Warriors' programs dedicated to PTSD and mental health programs for veterans.

This year, he's already hit his first goal of $4,000, and now he's looking at his stretch goal.

"I just left the $4,000 goal on my fundraising page just to be realistic and not over-stretch too much. But I would love to be able to get over $30,000, maybe even $40,000 if I can," he said.

This year though, his focus isn't just on the fundraising aspect of the bike ride.

"It's not about raising funds, it's about raising awareness. The program has lots of corporate sponsors, and yes, the money's important," Martin said. "But what's even more important is taking the stigma off mental health breaks and mental health discussion."

Martin, who said last year's ride gave him a new appreciation for the importance of mental health care, says he is planning to arrange activities with local schools to spread the message of how important it can be to take space to care for your mental health.

"It's more about raising the dialogue about mental health, and the connectivity between physical activity, and that being a great opportunity to take mental health breaks."

He encourages residents who want to hit the road and focus on their mental health to contact him and head out for a ride.

Last year's trip brought cyclists from Juno Beach to the beaches of Dieppe in France, while this year's route will bring the participants across Holland. Martin says the Dutch are always appreciative of veterans from Canada.

"Somewhere in the neighborhood of 8,000 soldiers died in Holland near the end of the war. So those folks over there are extremely grateful for Canada's contribution."

Martin's bike ride across Holland will begin June 14.

You can donate to his fundraiser by clicking this link.

 

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