Penticton, BC – Two dedicated Penticton residents, Bob Pond and Natalie Macdonald, have successfully completed an arduous spring fitness challenge, the “Rise and Thrive Fundraiser,” while collectively raising an impressive $8,500 for mental health initiatives in the South Okanagan Similkameen region. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) South Okanagan Similkameen announced on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, that the significant donation would directly fund mental health resources for 20 individuals.
The Rise and Thrive Fundraiser: A Dual Test of Endurance
The ambitious fundraiser saw Pond, an athletic therapist, and Macdonald, a registered therapeutic counsellor, push their physical limits throughout the spring, with Macdonald focusing her efforts specifically during May. Their combined challenge aimed to not only raise crucial funds but also to foster greater awareness for mental wellness and inspire others to embrace physical activity for its mental health benefits.
Macdonald’s Cycling Marathon
Natalie Macdonald embarked on a monumental cycling feat, committing to ride 100 kilometres every single day throughout the month of May. By the end of the month, she had successfully completed her goal, accumulating an astounding 3,000 kilometres on her bike.
Pond’s Weightlifting Feat
Concurrently, Bob Pond undertook a formidable weightlifting challenge. His goal was to lift a total of 300,000 pounds over the duration of the fundraiser. Pond not only met his target but significantly surpassed it, lifting over 450,000 pounds in total.
Empowering Mental Health in the Community
The $8,500 generated by the Rise and Thrive Fundraiser has been donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) South Okanagan Similkameen. This local branch of the CMHA has been serving the community since 1991, providing vital support for mental health.
Leah Schulting, Executive Director of CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen, expressed immense gratitude for the contribution. “We are thrilled with the support we’ve received from the Rise and Thrive Fundraiser,” Schulting stated in a news release. She emphasized the direct impact of the donation, explaining, “This donation enables us to offer our highly effective Anger Management Course, Releasing and Integrating Strong, to 20 additional individuals— completely free of charge.”
A Celebration of Community and Wellness
The culmination of the fitness challenge was marked by a celebratory gala held at the Oliver and District Wine Village. This event brought together supporters, community members, and mental health advocates, recognizing the participants’ incredible efforts and the collective impact of their fundraising.
Both Pond and Macdonald highlighted their motivation beyond just the fundraising total. They aimed to demonstrate that despite life’s setbacks, new movement and exercise are always possible, and that even small steps towards physical wellness can significantly impact mental well-being. Their initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between physical activity and mental health, inspiring Pentictonites and beyond to consider how they can contribute to their own wellness and support vital community resources.
