By Vanessa Ybarra

‘Ride Don’t Hide’ cycling event hopes to get people talking about mental illness

Jun 25, 2017 | 11:41 AM

KAMLOOPS — It wasn’t your typical bike ride throughout the city.

More than 150 cyclists took part in Kamloops fifth annual ‘Ride Don’t Hide’ cycle event Sunday morning.

Participants took part in a five, 10, 23, or 88 kilometre bike ride from Centennial Park in an effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health and raise money for mental health programs.

According to Christa Mullaly, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness is more prevalent than most people think.

Boogie The Bridge

Boogie The Bridge Event Information

17h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: The Loop's eviction will show us what happens when a bandage is ripped off a gaping wound

14h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: 'Fairness' is not a word I would use to describe the federal budget

21h ago

“We used to talk about this statistic that one in five Canadians are affected by mental illness,” said Mullaly. “We now know that almost everyone at some point in their life is affected by mental illness. By making it safe to talk about, it’s really encouraged folks to seek help early which is so critical.”

The ‘Ride Don’t Hide’ event was held in 35 communities across Canada.

Approximetly $1.5 million was raised to go towards public mental health programs.