Cycling, like any form of exercise, is a known mental health booster.
And in Vernon on Sunday, doubly so, as the Ride Don't Hide cycling fundraiser raised more than $53,000 for mental health resources for local youth.
Funds raised from Ride Don't Hide, held June 9, are going to the Youth Integrated Services Hub operated by the Vernon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
“Ride Don’t Hide was truly a community celebration and a demonstration of how local residents are committed to supporting our youth,” said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon.
“These funds will help us to provide critical services to support young people with the programs they need, when they need them. Our goal is to equip youth with knowledge and tools that will help them manage mental health and wellness.”
More than 170 people took part in Ride Don't Hide, which began in Polson Park and featured multiple routes ranging from 1.2 to 50 kilometres in Vernon and Coldstream. The event included a barbecue, children's activities and a fly-past by the Vernon Snowflakes formation flying team.
Ride Don't Hide also led to CMHA developing new relationships with Vernon BMX Club and Kalamalka Secondary School.
“We are grateful for all the participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers who gave of themselves to make Ride Don’t Hide a resounding success. The North Okanagan is such a caring and generous place to call home," said Payson.
Learn more about youth mental health services available at cmhavernon.ca.
