Canada’s Ride Don’t Hide raises support for mental health
On June 26, around 8,000 Canadians across 29 communities in five provinces rode their bicycles as part of the 5th annual Ride Don’t Hide event that is hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). According to the event’s website, they were able to raise around C$1.3 million this year.
In any given year, one in five, or approximately seven million Canadians, experience a mental health problem or illness. Only one-third will seek help often due to the discrimination and the stigma around mental illness. The Ride Don’t Hide movement aims to help overcome the stigma by creating a welcoming and inclusive community of hope and empowerment.
One fundraiser from Winnipeg said that her husband lives with depression and that they have been through a lot in the past three years. This event is important to them because it enables them to have an open conversation with people about mental health issues.
Winnipeg’s event started at FortWhyte Alive and included a family-friendly 6 km beginner ride,a 20 km intermediate ride as well as a 57.5 km “Gravel Grinder” route.
Meanwhile, the CMHA Ride Don’t Hide Grey Bruce event started at Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound and included a 1.5km family or beginner ride, a 25km intermediate ride, and 50km and 80 km advanced ride routes. Former NHL goalie Curtis Sanford was also present and participated in the Bruce Grey event.
Last year with some 300 cyclists taking part, the Owen Sound event had the second largest turnout of cyclists in Ontario and it tied with Calgary for 3rd nationwide.
