Wellness Wheelers Event Report

On August 24, Wellness Wheelers successfully hosted its first event at the Richmond Olympic Oval, with the goal of cherishing the land, bringing youth together, and acknowledging the First Peoples of this land. The event also aimed to raise awareness about mental health by encouraging outdoor activities, such as biking, around the Richmond Oval.

The event was planned with the intention of engaging youth in the Richmond community. To ensure participation, we created an application form and promoted it through multiple community groups on Facebook and Instagram. Despite our efforts, we received only 10 applications, which led to the selection of every applicant. Each participant received an email confirmation ahead of the event.

On the day of the event, unexpected challenges arose. The weather was unfavorable, and unfortunately, we experienced a significant number of no-shows. Out of the 10 confirmed participants, only 4 attended. This posed a challenge, as we had planned for a more robust turnout. However, we quickly adapted by shifting to the secondary component of the program, ensuring that the event remained engaging for those who were present.

Instead of focusing on biking, we started with a presentation on land acknowledgment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the traditional custodians of the land. This opening circle created a space for participants to reflect on the history and significance of the land they were on. We followed this with a community mapping exercise, where attendees explored the relationships between the land, community, and mental well-being. To keep the event dynamic, we organized a nature walk around the Oval, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with their surroundings while enjoying refreshments and snacks.

Despite the lower turnout, the event was well-received by those who attended. We concluded by creating a group chat to foster future connections and collaborations, ensuring that the participants felt part of a community beyond this one-day event. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in staying connected for future events.

This experience taught us the importance of flexibility and adaptability. While we couldn’t control the weather or attendance, we were able to pivot and still create a meaningful experience for those who showed up. The event also reinforced the value of building community and offering opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful conversations around land and mental health. Going forward, we plan to continue fostering these connections and to expand the Wellness Wheelers initiative with future events.

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