The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Salmon Arm has kicked off its Ride Don’t Hide campaign with a call to cyclists and non-cyclists alike to join the movement that’s sweeping the nation.
On June 21, 2015, thousands of Canadians from all walks of life will join the fourth annual Ride Don’t Hide community bike ride in support of mental health.
What began as one man’s journey around the world has grown to a national movement to raise awareness and decrease stigma around mental illnesses that affect one in five Canadians – only a third of whom receive treatment.
This year, CMHA is expecting more than 6,000 cyclists to ride for mental health in 28 communities across Canada, including Salmon Arm/Revelstoke.
“Ride Don’t Hide is an opportunity to come together as a community and say mental health is important to me, and it’s OK to talk about,” says Dawn Dunlop, executive director of CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke branch, “We are so thankful for the support from the community and are looking forward to an inspiring day on June 21.”
Ride Don’t Hide is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Registration is $35 for youth and adults ($30 if you register by April 30) and free for children 12 and under.
This year in Salmon Arm, CMHA – Shuswap/Revelstoke is proud to be hosting its third annual Ride Don’t Hide event. This community bike ride raises funds and awareness for mental health in our community.
The event, starting and ending at the Field of Dreams, will feature a fun warm–up, light breakfast and various cycling routes: a 10-kilometre family-friendly route, featuring the gorgeous landscape through the industrial park and a 32-km or 54-km advanced cyclist route through the amazing countryside surrounding Gardom Lake.
Following the ride, cyclists will be entertained with music and speakers, and enjoy refreshments. There will be prizes and community booths to create an atmosphere to support health, wellness and the importance of community.
Last year’s Shuswap/Revelstoke Ride raised more than $10,000, with 102 individual riders and more than 30 volunteers and supporters coming out to help the cause.
This year, CMHA Shuswap hopes to have more than 125 riders and raise more than $15,000. Register and donate online at http://ridedonthide.com/bc/ride/shuswap-revelstoke.