Sgt. Rob Nederlof of Base Maintenance at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba, leaves Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Aug. 11 and plans to land in Kenora, Ontario on Aug. 19.
The bicycle ride is named ‘To The Shield’ this year but continues to be an integral part of the Prairie Thousand’s epic contribution that has seen Nederlof ride 2,000 kms on his bicycle across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the past. His goal - to draw attention to mental health issues of veterans and EMS workers while raising money to help fund the support dog program.
This year, Nederlof will bicycle 1,000 kms across the prairies through to the Canadian Shield.
It has been named “To The Shield” to honour not only the route into the Canadian Shield from the prairies, but also as a dedication ‘to the shield’ in honour of those who serve Canadians.
Nederlof’s training for the 1,000 km bicycle fundraiser began the fourth week of April after he served two and a half months in the Arctic, supporting military training. Nederlof bicycles 52 kms every day to CFB Shilo from Wawanesa where he lives with Marina and their family.
In 2021, when Nederlof kicked-off the Prairie Thousand bicycle ride fundraiser, he peddled 1,000 kms from Wawanesa, to Lethrbridge, Alta.
In 2022, he bicycled 1,000 kms from Edmonton, Alta. to Minnedosa. To date, the Nederlofs have raised $53,397.59.
“We don’t go into this with any expectations. We appreciate any money we raise for the PTSD Support Dog program.”
Demand for Wounded Warrior’s PTSD Service Dogs has outstripped the funding capacity to train and pair service dogs with ill/injured veterans and First Responders. The average cost to train a dog is $15,000 and takes two years.
Steven Topham, Director, National Partnerships, Wounded Warriors Canada recognizes the outstanding effort that went into raising just under $54,000 by the Nederlofs.
“When we consider what that means on the average cost of certifying a dog - that right away, three or four people…and families have been positively impacted through the support of Rob and Marina,” Topham said.
“It’s a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts,” Nederlof said. While the sergeant has his own experience with PTSD after three overseas tours which included Afghanistan and Bosnia, he knows people who have suffered more than he has.
Prairie Thousand ‘To The Shield’ welcomes cadets, scout troops, or any other organization wishing to ride along with Rob as he bicycles through their towns. For more information go to: prairiethousand.com.
To contact Prairie Thousand, email [email protected] or message The Prairie Thousand Facebook page.
Information on the service dog program is found at woundedwarriors.ca/our-programs/ptsd-service-dogs/.
