Menno Homes of Sask. Inc. in Waldheim manages residential and vocational programs for adults with developmental challenges. In our residential programs we have 41 adults living in 8 group homes in Waldheim. In the vocational programs we have 70 plus individuals in three vocational programs in Waldheim.

In 2002 the Bike / Walk / Wheel a Thon fundraiser came into being. This fundraiser has three main goals: 1. To raise the profile of Menno Homes within the community and surrounding area. 2. To raise funds that would directly benefit the participants of the residential and vocational programs. 3. To be an on-going activity that EVERY participant, regardless of ability, could physically participate in.

This event is now in its eighth year and to date we have raised over $60,000. These funds have directly benefitted the participants of all programs. For example, exercise equipment (treadmills, exercise bikes) have been purchased for several of the homes or vocational programs. The event is held mid September and involves walking, cycling, or wheeling around a designated route in Waldheim. Those participants who can ride bikes, do so. Those who use scooters or wheelchairs go around the route in them. Those who prefer to walk, do so. And those with less mobility go around on a specially outfitted flatbed trailer, or in one of the Menno Homes vehicles. Every single participant goes around the route, and without exception they absolutely love it.

Starting in the spring, those who are able to either walk or ride their bikes get started early "getting practised or in shape" for the Bike / Walk/ Wheel a Thon in September. Many family members come out and either walk or ride with us, as do members of the community, along with staff and volunteers from Menno Homes. We are usually 120 - 130 strong in numbers going around the route in the community. This year, 2009, we are doing things a little bit differently.

This is the first year we have tied the event directly to In Motion. We have put out the challenge to "WALK TO MEXICO." We have purchased sombreros for all 70 of the participants and these will be distrubuted the beginning of June when we have the "kick off" to walking to Mexico - round trip from Saskatoon is 8693 k's. There will be regular on-going incentives and rewards built in for all the residential and vocational programs, and as well, we will be encouraging staff and family members to be involved - we will also have incentives built in for staff. The theme will be totally mexican all the way through.

As this is a fundraising event, we will be tying it directly to the number of k's travelled by participants, staff and family members combined. Details in that regard are still being fine tuned. As an organization, Menno Homes has been an active In Motion participant for the employees, but this is the first time we have formally tied a participant event to the In Motion program. It is very exciting for everyone involved.