VICTORIA, BC – (June 4, 2024): Join us this weekend on June 9, 2024, for Ride Don’t Hide, a community movement and fundraising event taking place in Victoria, Vernon, and Kelowna. This is your opportunity to participate in and support mental health programs and reduce stigma.
Event Locations and Register Today:
- Victoria: www.ridedonthide.com/victoria
- Vernon: www.ridedonthide.com/vernon
- Kelowna: www.ridedonthide.com/kelowna (The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride)
Why Ride Don’t Hide?
Ride Don’t Hide is more than an event; it’s a movement for mental health. The past few years have been challenging, and riding together makes the road easier for everyone. We all need a little help sometimes, but we can’t get help when we hide it. By participating, you are saying “I’m here” and showing that no one has to struggle with their mental health alone. Together, we can bring mental health into the open and support our community.
Event Highlights:
- Choose Your Route: Choose your route and walk or ride in Victoria, Vernon, or Kelowna. Choose from various routes to suit your preference.
- Community Impact: Join other British Columbians in reducing stigma, gathering as a community, and supporting mental health care for all. Ride Don’t Hide is about bringing mental health into the open.
- Fundraising and Registration: Register as an individual or company. Raise funds and ride together by signing up as a Team Captain, team member, or an individual. Share your #WhyIRide story and raise funds for mental health programs in your community.
Join us on June 9 to celebrate mental health and ensure #NoOneRidesAlone. All registrations include snacks and coffee pre-ride, and post-festivities.
Join us in Victoria – Windsor Field Park (2451 Windsor Road) 6:30 – 9:00 am Start Time(s) | Start 10:30 Festival
“Ride Don’t Hide is a testament to the strength and resilience of our communities. By coming together, we not only raise funds but also raise awareness and break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental illness,” says Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA BC Division. “Every participant, whether walking, riding, or cheering from the sidelines, is a beacon of hope and a powerful voice in our collective journey towards mental well-being. Together, we can create a compassionate community where everyone feels supported and no one has to face their mental health problems alone.”
Join us in Kelowna – Sutherland Bay Park (612 Ellis St) 7 – 9 am Start time(s) |10:00am Festival
“Each year, we see more people recognizing they need help in addressing their mental health,” says Mike Gawliuk, CEO for CMHA Kelowna. “The stigma associated with asking for help has decreased over the years. That means, as individuals work through issues that are eroding their mental health, looking to understand and address mental illness, or need someone to talk to about suicide – they are coming to CMHA Kelowna and Foundry Kelowna for support.” The money raised from the event helps fund CMHA Kelowna’s wide range of programs and services that are being accessed by an increasing number of people.
Join us in Vernon – Polson Park – 2600 Highway 6 Vernon, BC 8:00 Start Time(s) | 11:00am Festival
“In Vernon, Ride Don’t Hide is providing much-needed resources to our Youth Integrated Services Hub, which connects youth and families to mental health services. We are grateful for those riding in the event, as well as our volunteers and sponsors, and we are looking forward to a successful Ride Don’t Hide,” said Julia Payson, Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District.
You can make a difference. Funds raised during our annual Ride Don’t Hide help fund local community mental health programs and services. Your support contributes to various programs and services to improve the mental health and well-being of British Columbians.
For more information, visit our websites and join us in making a difference: https://cmha.donordrive.com/
About CMHA
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is Canada’s most established mental health charity and the nationwide leader and champion for mental health. CMHA, BC Division, together with a network of local CMHA branches, accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research, and service delivery related to mental health, and substance use in locations across the province. Resources are available on numerous topic areas such as children, youth, parenting, workplace, alcohol, and other drugs, finding help, and improving mental wellness. CMHA provides vital programs and services to individuals and communities, striving to create a society free from stigma and discrimination against mental illness and substance use.
For media inquiries:
Media Contact: media@cmha.bc.ca
604-353-8159