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YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
nities lack access to many programs that are taken for 
granted in the south. The few in-person programs that 
do happen are highly valued, as virtual alternatives can 
fall short of students’ attention. 
Starting in 2026, Rise Air will be supporting the Riders 
Foundation in the delivery of the education program in 
northern schools. Dan Gold, Director of Marketing with 
Rise Air, shared, “I remember being a small child, meet-
ing and being inspired by incredible athletes from 
many backgrounds. From the moment the players 
walked through the door at each school, you could 
feel the excitement.” He shares that children are 
attentive and engaged as the players deliver pro-
grams, making memories that guide them and last 
a lifetime. 
The foundation also has a literacy program that fo-
cuses on the importance of reading and literature. 
With low rates of literacy among youth in Canada, 
Saskatchewan has one of the lowest literacy rates 
in rural and Indigenous-populated areas. 
The foundation’s Rider Reading program strives 
to improve literacy by increasing accessibility and 
has delivered over 5,000 books to students across 
the province. This program reaches about 30,000 
students a year. 
Across their programs, the Riders Foundation has 
reached 100,000 youths province wide. Throughout 
April, thanks to Rise Air, the foundation is expand-
ing its program to Stony Rapids, Fond de Lac and 
Black Lake, which are just a few of the many com-
munities that they will help this year, while still hop-
ing to expand and grow into several others.   
Rider Reading and Win With Wellness visit with Dhel Duncan-Busby at 
École Wilfrid Walker School. March 25, 2026.
  Issue 1 – Summer 2026   29 

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