Kindness Above All Else
Helping individuals in recovery build confidence, purpose, and community through the transformative power of cycling.
Our Mission
KindHouse Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support individuals in recovery through cycling, outdoor wellness, and community connection.Founded by Kate Vermeulen-Myers and Owen Vermeulen, KindHouse was built on the belief that recovery is not meant to be a solo journey. Through cycling programs, group rides, community events, film screenings, and public talks, KindHouse helps people find strength, purpose, healthy connection, and a new path forward.At its heart, KindHouse exists to help individuals overcome addiction, chronic relapse, and isolation by creating a safe, accepting, and supportive community.
About KindHouse Foundation
KindHouse Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support individuals in recovery through cycling, outdoor wellness, and community connection.
Founded by Kate Vermeulen-Myers and Owen Vermeulen, KindHouse was built on the belief that recovery is not meant to be a solo journey. Through cycling programs, group rides, community events, film screenings, and public talks, KindHouse helps people find strength, purpose, healthy connection, and a new path forward.
At its heart, KindHouse exists to help individuals overcome addiction, chronic relapse, and isolation by creating a safe, accepting, and supportive community.
A Story of Recovery, Purpose & Hope
KindHouse was inspired by co-founder Owen Vermeulen’s personal journey through addiction, chronic relapse, homelessness, and repeated attempts at recovery.
After trying treatment centres, recovery houses, meetings, counselling, and other traditional supports, Owen still needed something more sustainable for long-term success. While living in a recovery house, he was given a bike — and that moment changed everything.
Cycling gave Owen a healthy outlet, new goals, outdoor freedom, and a supportive community. It became something he could do alone when his mind was racing, or with others when he needed connection.
“The bike has taken me to places I never thought possible.”
— Owen Vermeulen
Video Promo
In 1994, 15-year-old Owen Vermeulen stepped off a Greyhound bus in the Downtown Eastside just as the Vancouver riots broke out. Captivated by the energy and chaos, that moment set the tone for the next twenty years of his life as a skateboarder and struggling addict. During one of many attempts to get clean, Owen met a man who would change his life. Owner of a local bike shop, Owen’s friend gave him a bike of his own. Chasing his new passion for gravel endurance racing provided Owen with everything he needed to break the cycle of addiction. Sink or Swim is a story of how, no matter how many times you may fail, you have the power to change your life.
Produced/Directed: Stirl and Rae Media Haus
Sound Design: Aurum Waves Studio
Graphics/Animation: Milk Ritland-Tam
Presented By: Kindhouse
