North Okanagan residents will get on their bikes and join friends, family, colleagues, classmates and other community members to pedal towards the ultimate goal of ending the stigma of mental illness.
They will be taking part in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s fifth annual Ride Don’t Hide June 25.
“Over the past four years our volunteer committee has raised $75,000 to improve mental health in our community. I personally was inspired by my friend Michael Schratter who showed the difference one person can make when he started this event seven years ago,” said Todd Strilchuk, Ride Don’t Hide Vernon committee chairperson.
“I have met countless families who have been impacted by mental health, sharing their struggles and experiences with me. It has been a powerful experience. We have done a lot for mental health but we there is still a great need to improve access to services and continue to break down the stigma. Our goal this year is to raise $25,000 and match that of Michael’s inspirational ride raising $100,000. Together we are truly improving mental health in Vernon.”
Ride Don’t Hide is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Registration is $30 for youth and adults and free for children 12 and under. Individuals, families and teams can register online at www.ridedonthide.
The event takes place at Creekside Park in Coldstream, with registration from 8 to 9 a.m. the official welcome at 9:30 a.m. There are 40-kilometre, 17-kilometre and 8.5-kilometre bicycle rides and a fun wheelers ride.
The recent Canadian Mental Health Check-Up by Ipsos Public Affairs found that 48 per cent of those surveyed reported being more comfortable talking about mental health issues compared to two years ago.
Furthermore, the proportion of Canadians who say they have talked with someone about mental health continues to increase with 42 per cent saying they opened up to someone (most likely a friend, family member or a family doctor) about their mental health in the past year. This is up seven per cent from last year.
“National awareness raising events such as Ride Don’t Hide play an important role in changing the public’s perceptions and in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness” said Patrick Smith, national chief executive officer of CMHA.