Rise & Thrive: Moving for Mental Health

This spring, two Penticton locals are taking on a major fitness challenge to raise awareness and support for mental health. Rise & Thrive, led by Natalie Macdonald, owner of Tideline Wellness, and Bob Pond, owner of Pond Performance, is a fundraiser dedicated to showing the connection between movement and mental well-being while benefiting the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

Throughout May, Macdonald will cycle 100 kilometers each day, covering 3,000 kilometers by the end of the month. Pond will push his own limits by lifting a total of 300,000 pounds over the same period. Their goal isn’t just about testing their endurance—it’s about proving that movement, in any form, can help build mental strength and resilience.

Why Movement Matters

Rise & Thrive is inspired by the belief that physical activity plays a key role in mental well-being. As a registered therapeutic counsellor and endurance athlete, Macdonald has seen how movement helps people process emotions and overcome challenges. Her work at Tideline Wellness focuses on the link between the mind and body, showing how movement can support healing.

Pond works with athletes who struggle with injuries that take them away from their sport. He knows firsthand how losing a passion can impact mental health. His commitment to this fundraiser is personal—he has seen the effects of mental health struggles on those in his community and wants to be part of the solution.

Encouraging Others to Move

While Macdonald and Pond’s physical challenges are extreme, Rise & Thrive is about inspiring others to move in a way that works for them. Whether that means taking a short daily walk, stretching, or trying a new form of exercise, the message is simple: movement is a powerful tool for mental health.

This initiative isn’t about pushing limits—it’s about breaking barriers. Many people hesitate to prioritize their mental health because they don’t know where to start. By making movement accessible and achievable, Rise & Thrive hopes to encourage more people to take that first step.

To prepare for the challenge, Macdonald has been steadily increasing her cycling distances, building the stamina needed for hours on the bike each day. Pond has been focusing on strength and injury prevention to sustain the heavy lifting throughout the month. The challenge will test their endurance both physically and mentally, but their commitment to raising awareness will keep them going.

A Community Effort

To celebrate the completion of their month-long challenge, Rise & Thrive will host a gala at District Wine Village on May 31. The event will bring the community together to celebrate resilience, raise additional funds, and highlight the importance of mental health support. The evening will feature live music, a silent auction, and a chance to connect with others who share a passion for this cause.

Donations for the fundraiser are being collected through GoFundMe , and Gala tickets can be purchased via Humanitix, with all proceeds going directly to CMHA. Every contribution helps fund mental health services and resources for those in need.

This initiative is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a movement. By supporting Rise & Thrive, whether through donations, attending the gala, or committing to personal movement, everyone has the chance to be part of something meaningful.

For more details, visit the Rise & Thrive website and Instagram as this inspiring challenge unfolds.