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'Ride Don't Hide' Returns

‘Ride Don’t Hide’ Returns to Raise Funds for Mental Health in Northern BC

May 24, 2021 | 12:05 AM

The pandemic has been hard on everyone. People have been feeling isolated and scared, and depression and anxiety have become overwhelming for many. Far too many people are struggling, or just not feeling as good as they once did, and the pandemic has been making it harder for them to get the help and support that they need.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Northern BC has been working hard throughout the pandemic to help improve the mental health of Northern BC residents through education, programming, and support. This June, the Ride Don’t Hide fundraising event will take place in communities across Canada, including Northern BC, to help fund these essential services.

All funds raised during Ride Don’t Hide will help more people access needed mental health support through CMHA programming. Funds raised by participants in Prince George will be put toward supplies and programs at the Connections Clubhouse. Money raised by individuals in all other Northern BC communities will fund suicide prevention and mental health awareness workshops in communities throughout Northern BC. By signing up, participating, and fundraising, you can help one more person access the mental health support they need.

Ride Don’t Hide is Canada’s largest bike ride for mental health, but this year it is about more than just riding bikes. It will be a virtual event that lasts for the entire month of June, and you can turn it into whatever activity works best for you. It’s your ride, your way. Get outside for bike rides, runs, walks, or hikes, stay inside on a stationary bike or a treadmill, or ride in spirit and be part of the movement through yoga, meditation, or dancing around your living room. Whichever you choose to do, set a mental or physical health goal and work towards it every day. Commit to moving your body for at least 330 minutes in June to boost your endorphins, helping you relax and feel better.

Register for free online and download the Ride Don’t Hide mobile app. Link it to your current activity tracking app to record the time you spend working toward your goal and view your fundraising progress. In the app, there will also be challenges with the chance to earn badges and win prizes.

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While working toward your personal goal, connect with others. Start or join a team of family, friends, or coworkers and get more people on board. All donations help CMHA to provide more people in the community with the mental health support they need. Maybe you know firsthand what it’s like to struggle with your mental health, and how isolating it can feel. Donations help someone in your community to realize they’re not as alone as they think they are. Plus, not only will the money you raise help an individual in need, knowing that you’ve helped someone can help you feel good too.

The event officially starts in June, but you can register at www.ridedonthide.com and start working toward your goal now. Then, on June 4^th at 9:30 a.m. PST, there will be a livestream kick-off that people across Canada can take part in.

Ride Don’t Hide started in 2010 as Michael Schratter, a Vancouver teacher and newspaper columnist cycled 40,000 kilometers across six continents and 33 countries to raise funds for CMHA BC Division and raise awareness about mental illness. Throughout his journey, Michael spoke about his own experiences living with bipolar disorder and spread the message that it is okay to acknowledge that you are dealing with a mental illness, inviting the people he met along the way to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern British Columbia is proud to be a part of this conversation started by Michael Schratter. The Northern BC Branch of CMHA has offices in Prince George and Quesnel but serves individuals and organizations throughout Northern BC. CMHA provides mental health promotion and mental illness recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families.

Click here to register.

Click here to join the Ride Don’t Hide 2021 Facebook group.