More than 45 per cent of Ontario residents report worsening mental health since the onset of the pandemic, which came with school closures, lockdowns, social isolation, and economic insecurity. In response, the nation’s largest mental health bike ride, Ride Don’t Hide, is bringing people together to raise funds in support of the mental health and well-being of our hardest hit community members, while boosting their own moods through movement.
Now in its 9th anniversary year, Ride Don’t Hide is “rolling” with the times and evolving its local rides into the virtual physical activity challenge of your choice. A Ride Don’t Hide mobile app allows participants to connect with teammates, track their activity, fundraise, spread the word, and participate in weekly challenges throughout June all while on the go through your smartphone. Participants from across Canada will set a personal challenge to ride, run, walk, dance, or even meditate, for at least 330 minutes throughout the month of June to support CMHA’s vital community mental health programs and services in one of its 330 locations near you.
“The pandemic has been hard, but the silver lining is that more people are aware of their own mental health, and more willing to talk freely about their stresses and struggles,” says Clark MacFarlane of the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce. “Our local residents are displaying great resilience and courage in this time of crisis, and this is helping bring mental health into the open.”
This year, local riders—and spinners, walkers, runners, yogis, meditators, and other mental health champions—will raise funds to support youth mental health, social programs as well as domestic violence prevention in Grey Bruce. Join the in-person event at Kelso Beach on Sunday, June 26th or sign up as a virtual rider and participate “Your Own Way.”
“Two things that have gotten me through the past year are my friends and my walks outside. I really want our community to know that there is help if they need it, so I’m running 100km from now until June 26th and asking sponsors to support me,” says April Robinson. “We need to raise funds for mental health now more than ever.”
In past 9 years, Ride Don’t Hide Grey Bruce has raised over $400,000 for local mental health programs and services.
“People can set their own goals and move in their own way, on their own time, but it all rolls up to more timely, more accessible mental health help when people need it,” says Clark MacFarlane, CEO. “Find that walking buddy and join your neighbours to raise money, raise your heart rate and raise your spirits!”
To find out more, please visit the Ride Don't Hide website.
source: media release
