Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, Southlake’s New Chief of Staff, ready to ride alongside world-class cyclists and Olympic champions
NEWMARKET, ON (September 20, 2022) – Southlake Foundation is gearing up for the 7th Annual NewRoads LakeRide this coming Sunday, September 25th. Riding alongside Southlake and Southlake Foundation’s President and CEOs Arden Krystal and Jennifer Ritter is Southlake’s new Chief of Staff, Dr. Charmaine van Schaik. She’s gearing up for LakeRide in support of the hospital’s Mental Health Program through the .Better begins today campaign.
“The NewRoads LakeRide is a wonderful annual event that engages the communities our hospital serves,” says Dr. van Schaik. “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. This year’s event features special guests: Georgia Simmerling, Bronze medalist from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, and Ed Veal, a world-class cyclist who has competed in the Commonwealth Games and the 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,” says Dr. van Schaik.
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,” says Dr. van Schaik.
Southlake Foundation’s .Better begins today Campaign launched in 2020 with a goal of raising $7.5 million to build spaces that heal by expanding and upgrading Southlake’s spaces to meet modern, standard approaches to mental health care that provide the peace, security and privacy patients deserve.
Thanks to the community’s 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 at www.newroadslakeride.ca.
Learn more about .Better begins today at www.southlake.ca/better
Dr. van Schaik with her children Lise and Gabe.
About Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
Since the inception of Southlake Foundation in 1980, more than $222 million dollars has been raised in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. Working with members of our communities, volunteers, our Southlake Family and our dedicated donors, Southlake Foundation will continue to support the most urgent needs of our hospital, including things like life-saving medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades and expansions, patient programs and staff education, all for the goal of providing leading edge care for patients and families, close to home. For more information visit: www.southlakefoundation.ca.
