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By Vernon Matters Staff

Overwhelming support for Ride Don’t Hide

Jun 26, 2019 | 10:44 AM

The seventh annual Ride Don’t Hide event has raised over $50,000 to support youth mental health education, peer support programs, and the 24/7 crisis line in the Vernon area.

About 170 people came out for the event at Creekside Park in Coldstream, put on by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“We are overwhelmed by the continuing support we receive from our generous community,” Julia Payson, CMHA Vernon and district executive director, said. “From participants, donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, it is encouraging and heartening to see everyone working together to help end the stigma that prevents people from receiving the mental health services they need.”

Payson said over $50,000 towards the $60,000 goal was raised from online registrations and donations, a virtual ride hosted at Soul Studio fitness club, and proceeds from a bike raffle held by The Medicine Shoppe.

CMHA Vernon will be accepting donations until July 15, online or in person at CMHA Vernon branch located at 3100 28th Avenue.

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“When our community loses someone to suicide, particularly a young person, it resounds with an unsettling chord through each of us,” Payson said. “Grief support and crisis line services are vitally important to help the healing process. Through early education and support, we can help build skills and resilience to empower ourselves and our youth.”

The annual ride creates a safe, open community where individuals can talk about their mental health free of judgment. The day’s activities included a free breakfast sponsored by Tim Hortons, free lunch sponsored by Subway, activities for kids provided by O’Keefe Ranch, experiments with the Okanagan Science Centre, and face painting.

The Vernon ride is one of the most successful Ride Don’t Hide events in the country. Last year it raised more funds per capita than any other community.

To date, Ride Don’t Hide has raised more than $228,000 for CMHA, Vernon and district branch mental health programs.

Ride Don’t Hide returns to Creekside Park next year on June 14, 2020.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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