May 14, 2010

To Whom It May Concern

I am pleased to introduce you to Mr. Wayne McGuinness a resident of Brantford, Ontario

who will embark on the Western Leg of his Cross Canada bicycle Ride for Mental
Health Awareness on July 1st , 2010.

Mr. McGuinness (Wayne) is no stranger to long distance riding and knows full well the
challenges ahead of him. Wayne has faced many challenges in his life, including the
difficulties of living with a loved one with mental illness and the loss of his wife to
ovarian cancer in 2004. Following the death of his wife, Wayne with the endorsement of
the Juravanski Cancer Clinic in Hamilton completed a province wide ride of Ontario with
donations to the clinic. Wayne traveled solo for a distance of 3,200 kms. and raised over
$14,000. for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Subsequent to this ride, Wayne has
participated twice in the in the Princess Margaret Hospital’s two day ride event in 2008
and 2009 raising a total of $5,200. for the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Prior to the death of Wayne’s wife, he had made a commitment to cross Canada on his
bicycle to raise awareness for persons who struggle with mental illness. Wayne and his
late wife’s son Shawn, has a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-morbid with substance abuse. Wayne plans on making
good on his promise by doing his ride for mental health over two summers---the first
challenge being the West and the second challenge the East.

Please accept this letter as endorsement of Wayne’s ride and support of this venture.
Wayne could use supports in the way of accommodations free, or at a reduced rate. He,
as well as the many consumers who struggle with mental illness and the associated
stigma, would benefit by raising the profile of his ride within your local community with
whatever media coverage you could arrange. He will be doing his Western Leg of the
Cross Canada Cycle from July 1, 2010 until August 9, 2010.Your help and
encouragement will ensure his success and have the potential of a positive spin off for
those who struggle the most---those with mental illness.

Here in Brant, we will be supporting Wayne by promoting his Ride for Mental Health
Awareness through the CMHA Branches in the cities he will be riding through, as well as
through other venues.

1
May 14, 2010 Page Two

I have enclosed a calendar of dates and locations of his ride route, as well as a pledge
form for your information. Should you require further details, please feel free to contact
Mr. McGuinness directly at, 519-756-2948, e-mail wackywayne50@hotmail.com, or
myself at 519-752-2998, ext. 112, e-mail: lill@cmhabrant.on.ca . Mr. McGuinness has
also set up a website at www.rideforcancer.yolasite.com which will be updated
throughout his ride.

Please consider supporting Wayne in his dream, and help make this important ride a
success.

Sincerely,

Lill Petrella, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator

Canadian Mental Health Association – Brant County Branch