Don't hide from mental illness

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Sudbury/Manitoulin branch (CMHA) is calling cyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in their upcoming national Ride Don’t Hide in support of mental health.

The cycling event will gather riders from across Sudbury and Manitoulin on June 21, starting at Camp Sudaca in Sudbury.

In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness. Mental health issues affect everyone whether it’s someone we love, work with or know.

“We’re encouraging everyone to take part in our Ride Don’t Hide event on June 21 to support those living with mental illness,” says Krista MacDonald, Health Promotion co-ordinator. “Showing support and changing the way we view mental illness will help reduce discrimination and stigma so that people with mental health issues can be better supported in managing or recovering from their illness.”

Ride Don’t Hide is a community bike ride taking place in 28 communities across Canada that raises awareness about mental health to reduce the discrimination and stigma around mental illness.

The Ride Don’t Hide movement began in 2010 with Michael Schratter, a Canadian teacher living with bipolar disorder who spent almost a year and a half cycling around the world armed with only his bike and knapsack. His dream of empowering those experiencing mental illness touched people all over the world, and his journey has become a national movement that is both raising funds and breaking the stigma around mental illness.

“I’ve never dreamed that my solo journey around the world would make such an impact on Canadians, which is so inspiring to see,” says Michael Schratter, Ride Don’t Hide founder and ambassador. “Ride Don’t Hide is a way to engage conversations and breakdown misconceptions.
Help us end the stigma around mental illness and be a part of Ride Don’t Hide.”

CMHA is expecting more than 6,000 cyclists, as corporate teams, school groups, friends and families, from all across Canada join together to ride for mental health.

Desjardins Insurance is the provincial corporate partner of the Ontario rides.

The ride in Sudbury includes a five-km family friendly ride and a 20-km advanced ride route, with on-site family-friendly activities and events.