“I encourage all cyclists in our communities to join my Southlake colleagues and I on this amazing ride,” said Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, new chief of staff
Southlake’s new chief of staff, Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, along with Southlake and Southlake Foundation Presidents and CEOs Arden Krystal and Jennifer Ritter, gear up for NewRoad’s LakeRide in support of Newmarket Hospital’s mental health program this Sunday, September 25th.
“The NewRoads LakeRide is a wonderful annual event that engages the communities our hospital serves,” says van Schaik. “Cycling or participating in sporting activities also has many physical and mental benefits. Combined with raising funds for local health care, this is a win-win for everyone!”
Riders of all skill levels set off from the NewRoads Performing Arts Center in Newmarket on cycle routes ranging from 10km to 125km. This year’s guests include Georgia Simmerling, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, 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 I on this amazing ride. We are so grateful to all attendees for supporting this wonderful event and raising funds for much needed upgrades at our hospital. We couldn’t do it without donor support,” says van Schaik.
The NewRoads LakeRide supports Southlake’s mental health program.
“Mental health support is crucial. There is no doubt that the pandemic has dramatically increased the need for mental health services in Southlake,” adds van Schaik.
About the Better Begins Today campaign.
The better of the Southlake Foundation begins today campaign was launched in 2020 with a goal of raising $7.5 million to expand and modernize Southlake’s premises to accommodate 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 psychiatric unit in January to serve an additional 400 patients each year. Specially designed to meet the needs of mental health patients, the new unit offers 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 skill levels have helped raise vital donations for Southlake’s most pressing needs, totaling 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.
