Canadians gear up for 'Ride Don't Hide' this weekend

Jun 23 2016, 4:35 am

Ride Don’t Hide is celebrating it’s 5th anniversary in Canada on Sunday, June 26.

The national movement and fundraiser started when Michael Schratter, a Canadian teacher living with bipolar disorder, cycled 40,000 kilometres around the world in 2010-11 to share his story, and empower others to help break the mental illness stigma, as he said, “one pedal at a time.”

Ride Don’t Hide is raising funds for mental health programs in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. The rides will take place in 6 provinces across the country with the goal of raising over $1,500,000.

Ride Don’t Hide will go ahead rain or shine. Registration and donations can be made online.

Facts gathered by the Canadian Medical Association about mental health

  • Only 49% of Canadians said they would socialize with a friend who has a serious mental illness.
  • 27% of Canadians are fearful of being around people who suffer from serious mental illness.
  • 2 in 3 people suffer in silence fearing judgment and rejection.
  • 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their life.
Image:

Image: Courtesy Canadian Mental Health Association

Ride Don’t Hide

Calgary: Springbank Park for All Seasons – 32224A Springbank Road at 7 am

Toronto: Upper Canada Mall –  17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket at 7:15 am

Vancouver: Swangard Stadium, Central Park –  Burnaby at 7 am

Malika KarimMalika Karim

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