Ride Your Bike and Help Break the Stigma Around Mental Illness

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is putting out the call to residents to sign up for this summer’s cycling event.

The CMHA wants Kelowna residents to get involved in improving mental health in the community and to take action by participating in the Ride Don’t Hide Event. The annual event will take place on June 21^st, starting at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Cyclists of all ages are invited to sign up and ride with friends, family, and co-workers to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Yvonne Caldwell was the early bird registration winner for 2015. Left: Patrick Rosen, owner of "the hub" cycle store (Photo Credit: CMHA)

“During Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association is encouraging all Canadians to reflect on their own attitudes toward people living with mental health issues,” says Shelagh Turner, Executive Director of the CMHA Kelowna Branch. “Reducing discrimination and stigma is paramount, so that people with mental health issues can be better supported in managing or recovering from their illness. We’re encouraging everyone to take part in our Ride Don’t Hide event on June 21st to support those living with mental illness.”

In any given year, one in five Canadians experience a mental health problem or illness. To help raise awareness about mental health and reduce the discrimination and stigma around mental illness, CMHA hosts the Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don’t Hide, an annual community bike ride taking place in 28 communities across Canada. Shoppers Drug Mart is the title sponsor for the rides in B.C.

There are two options for the ride, a 7 km family ride, or a 40 km scenic ride through the Mission and Southeast Kelowna. The ride is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels and registration can be made online at www.ridedonthide.com.