There’s something about planning an adventure for a cause that hits differently. Organizing a big trip or a first-of-its-kind experience is already charged with excitement and nerves — but when it’s a large outdoor team adventure, the stakes feel even higher.
You spend hours researching locations and gear, sorting out transportation, checking weather patterns, and coordinating with your team. You try and think through worst-case scenarios, trying to be ready for anything. There’s a certain level of communication involved that requires a deep level of trust in both yourself and the people you are choosing to partake in such a big adventure with.
However, raising awareness and funds for mental health on top of it while its being documented adds a whole new layer. You take your adventure from being an exciting experience with friends, to shining the spotlight for the world to see. There’s no hiding the highs and lows; there’s the added pressure of performing well; there’s the need to document and share every moment (especially the vulnerable and uncomfortable) to give the viewers a reason to care and desire to support the cause; the adventure becomes about more than just you and your experience.
It becomes about making a greater impact – and that’s exactly what Wirth set out to do.
For the first time ever, Wirth brought together 5 teams from around the world to race quad-tandem bikes in efforts to raise funds for the Wirth Foundation – a foundation that funds and provides free counselling sessions to those who need it most.
Quad-tandem racing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of well... for anything really – never mind trying to raise money! But for Wirth, it’s served as a symbol of community, growth, support, empowerment, strength and hope for a number of years.
All 4 One takes us on the journey of teams New Zealand, Great Britain, Men’s Canada, Women’s Canada, and USA, racing from Keremeos to Nelson, BC in a timed race of 800 kms over the course of 8 days. The film shows us the realities of tackling such an epic adventure, the dangers that come along with it, navigating the ethical decisions of making it a race vs just a ride for awareness, having the majority of the people never having even seen a quad tandem bike in person.
It's a film about hope, overcoming fears, challenging yourself, coming together as a community, supporting even your competition, remembering the ‘why,’ seeing what you’re capable of, doing the hard thing, and taking care of yourself so you can take care of others. It shows us the value and importance of true vulnerability and brutal honesty.
It’s a film that reminds you you’re never truly alone, even in the midst of your hardest challenges and lowest lows.
We want to extend a huge and very grateful thank you to everyone who came out to our two sold out screenings these past few weeks – everyone who shared our story, invited their friends and family, bought hats, made donations, shared your thoughts and support for the cause, etc. It’s because of you that Wirth can exist and make the impact that it has the past six years. It’s because of you that we can continue to help those who need it most.
If you didn't get a chance to come to the premiere, the film is now live on Telus! A big thanks to The Grove Films for making this film. We hope you enjoy it. It was quite the journey!
If you or someone you know needs counselling, you can apply here.
And if you’re able to support the Wirth Foundation financially, donations go directly to helping people access free therapy.
Take care of yourself.
Check in on your homies.
You need others. Others need you.
- The Wirth Team x
