Organizers are overwhelmed by the support from the community with the inaugural Hard Miles Run.
first-year fundraiser to support the mental health of area first responders and those in the agriculture industry is in the books.
The Hard Miles Run, in memory of Dalles Bergsma, was held at Mitchell’s Bay on Saturday with over 150 participants.
Co-organizer Jess Bergsma says the goal is to help other families like their own.
“Our son and brother-in-law Dalles died by suicide,” Bergsma says. “Dalles was a farmer and a first responder, and he faced a lot of challenges through his chosen professions and made a lot of sacrifices. The idea for Three Oaks Cabin and the Hard Miles Run is to try to bring light to the mental health struggles that a lot of these folks deal with silently.”
The inaugural Hard Miles Run raised over $15,000 with more donations still being tallied.
“Three Oaks Cabin will be a respite cabin where farmers and first responders can come stay, free of charge,” Bergsma explains. “We’ve also worked with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance to set up some counselling and programming that will be available to folks who stay there.”
Donations for the Three Oaks Cabin can still be submitted online at threeoakscabin.com with the facility expected to be open this coming fall.
The event also supports I’ve Got Your Back 911, with any further donations being accepted online at www.ivegotyourback911.com.
