Baffin x Canadian Mental Health Association: Ride Don’t Hide
On June 21st, Baffin’s Stoney Creek headquarters hosted the second annual Baffin x Canadian Mental Health Association Ride Don’t Hide event.
Ride Don’t Hide is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association and is the largest mental health fitness event in Canada. Over ten years, thousands of people rode millions of kilometres and raised millions of dollars for community mental health. But it’s not just for riders. Throughout the month of June, Ride Don’t Hide challenges thousands across Canada to ride, walk, run, stretch, dance and workout. To come together as a community to stay active, explore the outdoors and raise funds for mental health in our own communities.
The Baffin team participated in a full day of wellness programming at the Stoney Creek, ON head office. This event was a part of Baffin’s ongoing efforts and recognition of the importance of implementing healthy practice's and offering resources to bettering both your physical and mental wellbeing.
The day started with a smoothie bar by HEAL Wellness, a Hamilton-based acai bowl and smoothie shop dedicated to providing all natural superfoods that are not only nutritious, but also delicious. Made with all natural ingredients, the Baffin team selected from several different smoothie flavours to enjoy as they started their day.
After breakfast, employees had the choice to join two rejuvenating activities. One group joined Baffin’s Senior Vice President, Commercial, Mark Hubner for a hike along one of the local trails near the headquarters. Another group gathered for a beginner’s level yoga class by Modo Yoga Hamilton. After hour-long sessions, the team was relaxed and rejuvenated to start their day.
Throughout the day Melissa Schumacher, Reiki Master and owner of Morning Sun Energy Healing met individually with employees for Reiki energy healing classes. Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, a type of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a "universal energy" is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing.
Massage Club, a company that provides mobile massages, was on-site hosting appointments for those who needed a little extra help relaxing throughout the day.
Employees were treated to a delicious lunch by Curbside Foods, a family-owned and operated business founded in Hamilton, ON. Curbside Foods creates high quality home-style cooking, specializing in Mediterranean and Latin America foods and traditional Canadian food items.
The afternoon was filled with different activities led by Baffin team members. Baffin’s Manager, Customer Experience Munesh Raj led a high energy Muay Thai class for those who wanted to get their heart rates up and try a new form of exercise. Muay Thai is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. Media Relations Specialist, Renee Denomme led a group on a Wellness Walk in the surrounding community, Brand Marketing Coordinator Sidney Durante led a stretch session and the day ended with a guided meditation hosted by Marketing Manager, Jessica Liut.
This event was coordinated by Baffin’s Corporate Citizenship Employee Advisory Groups whose role is to facilitate initiatives to help foster the company culture and evolution of the organization.
In total over $2,400 was raised for the Canadian Mental Health Association through Baffin’s Ride Don’t Hide event, after Baffin matched donations made and raised by employees. It costs $330 for CMHA to provide one more person with the community mental health programs, services and support they need, when they need them. Through Baffin’s efforts, more than 7 individuals will be able to get the help they need from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
