Tackling mental illness: Ride Don't Hide

Thousands of Canadians are set to take part in Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser for mental health June 21.

This Father’s Day, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Ride Don’t Hide community bike ride is taking place in 27 different communities throughout Canada to raise awareness about mental health and break the stigma around mental illness.

The Ride Don’t Hide movement began with Michael Schratter, a Canadian teacher living with bipolar disorder who has spent his whole life educating the public about mental health. In 2010, Michael cycled around the world to share his story and empower others to help break the mental illness stigma, one pedal at a time.

The CMHA - Sudbury/Manitoulin Ride Don’t Hide event starts at Camp Sudaca in Sudbury and includes a five kilometre family-friendly route and a 20 kilometre route for avid riders.

In any given year, one in five Canadians, or approximately seven million Canadians, experience a mental health problem or illness, but only one third will seek help – often due to the discrimination and stigma around mental illness.

Registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. at Camp Sudaca. The 20 kilometre event's start time is 9:30 a.m., while five kilometre riders take off at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit ridedonthide.com.