More than one hundred bike enthusiasts, including families and young children, mounted their two-wheelers for the annual Ride Don’t Hide Race.
In it’s fifth year, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) organizes the 50km, 30km, 15km, and 6km events, raising awareness on the stigma.
.@CMHABC #RideDontHide participants begin pedalling in the 50km race ?♀️??♀️? | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/HUrYwQzNtD
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 25, 2017
Most riders have one thing in common… they know, or have lost someone to mental health issues.
Linda Parker lost her son Jared to suicide two years ago and says it’s important to create discussion and conversation.
“It’s critical! We lose far too many people and people suffer in silence, so we need to end that. This is something fun, but we do something creative and positive from that.”
.@ridedonthide biker Linda (2nd Right) participates in honour of her son Jared, who took his life 2yrs ago to mental illness | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/nKWaGmJ0a7
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 25, 2017
A recent study out from the University of Ottawa suggests more than 25% of Canadians older than 15 years old admit to having a mental illness.
In addition, 60% of them don’t seek professional help or treatment for fear of being labelled.
Parker appreciates having this event and riding with family and friends in honour of her son.
“I don’t know anyone who has not been touched by mental health, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. There’s still stigma, so we need to help erase that stigma and treat mental illness as we would with any other disease.”
Ride Don’t Hide sees more than 10,000 people pedalling the streets of 35 cities across the nation every year, with the goal of fundraising $2 million for mental health.
.@CMHABC's 5th Annual #RideDontHide event sees families, bike enthusiasts; some know/have lost someone to mental health issues | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/kIIzisll9A
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 25, 2017