A retired Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) sergeant will once again cycle across the Prairies this summer in support of veterans and first responders living with operational stress injuries, with this year’s 1,000-kilometre fundraising ride concluding in Moose Jaw.

Rob Nederlof, a retired CAF mechanic formerly based at Canadian Forces Base Shilo in Manitoba, will depart from Canmore, Alta., on Aug. 11 as part of the fifth annual Prairie Thousand fundraiser. The ride supports the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Service Dog program through Wounded Warriors Canada. The nine-day journey, titled “Friends and Family,” will travel through communities including Calgary, Lethbridge, Maple Creek, Swift Current, and Chaplin before ending in Moose Jaw on Aug. 19.

“It’s a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts,” Nederlof said.

Originally from Alberta, Nederlof remained in Wawanesa, Man., following his retirement from the military. During his CAF career, he completed three overseas tours, including one deployment to Bosnia and two tours in Afghanistan. Organizers said he has also experienced his own journey with OSI, formerly known as PTSD, stemming from his military service.

While Nederlof has not personally relied on a support dog, he said he has seen firsthand the impact service dogs can have on veterans and first responders struggling with operational trauma.

“The support dog is aware of when its owner is about to experience an attack,” Nederlof said.

According to organizers, the Prairie Thousand fundraiser was created to raise awareness surrounding mental health challenges faced by veterans, military personnel, EMS workers, and first responders while helping fund trained support dogs through Wounded Warriors Canada.

Since launching in 2021, the campaign has raised more than $100,000 while covering more than 4,000 kilometres across Western Canada and Ontario. This year’s goal has been set at $5,000.

“We are always conservative (in setting our goal),” said Marina Nederlof, Rob’s wife and support vehicle driver for the campaign. “We don’t go into this with any expectations. We appreciate any money we raise for the OSI Support Dog program.”

According to Wounded Warriors Canada, each OSI service dog costs approximately $15,000 to train and requires roughly two years of preparation before placement. Steven Topham, director of national partnerships with the organization, said Prairie Thousand continues to make a meaningful impact financially and through public awareness efforts in communities along the route.

“When we consider what that means on the average cost of certifying a dog — that right away, three or four people have been impacted, and families have been positively impacted through the support of Rob and Marina,” Topham said.

“It’s the conversations they’re having in these communities (that matter most),” he continued. “They’re raising significant awareness to the people who need the service.”

This year’s “Friends and Family” ride is dedicated not only to veterans and first responders, but also to the families and support networks who stand behind them.

“The men and women who stand behind the shield — the military, police, EMS workers — it’s for them that we do this,” Marina Nederlof said.

Training for the campaign began in January, with Nederlof using a stationary trainer during the winter before transitioning back to outdoor cycling this spring. Organizers said he now rides approximately 52 kilometres daily between Wawanesa and CFB Shilo while preparing for the cross-Prairie journey.

Residents interested in joining portions of the ride or learning more can visit “The Prairie Thousand” Facebook page or email PrairieThousand@gmail.com. To support the fundraiser, visit JustGiving.com/page/PrairieThousand.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express