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The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will host the Ride Don’t Hide community bike ride throughout Kelowna on Sunday, June 21st.
The community event is an opportunity to open up and have a conversation about mental health. The ride helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for friends and loved ones experiencing mental health issues. The ride is one of many community events taking place around the country.
From Left to right: Darrin Caruso, ChainLine Cycle, Garry Norkum, Cyclepath, Jim Bates, Fresh Air Experience & Fresh Air Concept, Pat Rosen, Kelowna Cycle, Adam Drake, The Hub, Cpl Joe Duncan, Kelowna RCMP. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
This year the 40 kilometre ride will be dedicated to the memory of Dillon Budd. CMHA and the Budd family are encouraging all to come and ride and pledge to reduce the mystery, stigma and discrimination around mental illness by increasing understanding about mental health and how to achieve it.
A family ride is available for those wanting to participate in either a seven or nine kilometre ride along the downtown waterfront, as well as the 40 kilometre ride through the Mission. Scott Davis with the CMHA says the day is all about showing support for mental health, even if you are not a cyclist.
“We have close to 200 people riding and all funds will stay within Kelowna and the CMHA Kelowna,” said Davis. “You can sign up as a virtual rider and sign up as if you are going to ride on the day and fundraise. You can purchase a t-shirt and wear it all year round and support the CMHA and Ride Don’t Hide.”
About one in five people suffer from mental illness and that can range from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, to schizophrenia. Besides those suffering, another four out of five people are currently dealing with someone who suffers from a mental illness.
Participants at the 2014 Ride Don't Hide in Kelowna (Photo Credit: CMHA)
In order to make the event a success, the CMHA has teamed up with local businesses and the RCMP.
“We’re about mental health for all and getting on a bike and getting out in the community is a very easy way to get out there and help your mental health,” said Davis. “The community and the bike stores know this, and they want to help people get on bikes and be safe when riding. The RCMP deal a lot with first line mental illness crisis and they are an important part of making sure people are safe while dealing with their mental health.”
The CMHA has been in Kelowna since 1956 and was formed by a small group of individuals who wanted better service for their loved ones. The organization provides a full range of support and services to people impacted by mental illness. To get involved with Ride Don’t Hide or to donate to the fundraising campaign visit the CMHA website.
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