By Erin Knutson

The annual Spinning for Mental Health Event hosted at Western Financial Place by The Studio this year raised over $2,700 in funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays and the Foundry on the ‘Bell Let’s Talk’ campaign day.

“It was a great event that historically has been run at the College of the Rockies (COTR) through the athletics department,” said Western Financial Manager of Programming & Marketing Brian Millis.

The venue changed locations with the support of The Studio and a host of sponsors, including Hot Shots and the Kimberley Dynamiters, who showed up at one of the three rides.

Participants donated $10 for a spot in the two-hour event with three spinning sessions.

“All three rides were sold out,” said Millis.

Millis and his fundraising partner, Sjaane Beattie of The Studio, were thrilled with the turnout and the community support to make it happen this year.

“It’s about mental health and raising awareness – I’m a former hockey player and dealt with people going through mental health issues. It’s near and dear to me, and it’s important to support and advocate,” said Millis.

According to the organizers, presenting a cheque to CMHA Kootenays and the Foundry for their programming makes the effort rewarding.

“We need support for our youth and help with programming -it’s important every day to talk about mental health, to be open about it, and that people know there is support and somebody to talk to,” said Millis.

The event has been going on for six years and has raised $12,000 for mental health support in the community, according to Beattie, owner of The Studio.

“It was so much fun. We had a new venue with many people this year at a local public recreational centre, and it was cool,” she said.

Beattie credits the volunteers, sponsors, and Cranbrook businesses working as a team to make this event happen and who made it a success this year.

“Showing up is the hardest part,” she said of physical fitness.

According to Beattie, physical fitness is essential to mental health, and the Studio owner/instructor enjoys watching people grow and challenge themselves to something new when they come to her facility.

“There’s something everyone can do, and it becomes a community where people are uplifting each other and holding each other accountable, and that social structure is part of mental health,” said Beattie.

The cheque presentation for the $2,700 raised by the event was slated for February. The Foundry and CMHA Kootenays will split the earnings equally between both organizations.

To spin, barre, or do yoga visit Sjaane at The Studio (thestudiocompany.ca)

Western Financial Place: Western Financial Place – Homepage

For information about the programs and opportunities at the CMHA Kootenays, visit CMHA Kootenays Branch – Mental Health for All

To visit the Foundry information centre East Kootenay – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca)

Erin Knutson photo

e-KNOW

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