Ryerson University and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst partner with CMHA Peel Dufferin to support food security for local families and raise awareness of mental health supports during COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ryerson University and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst partner with CMHA Peel Dufferin to support food security for local families and raise awareness of mental health supports during COVID-19

Members of the Ryerson community in Brampton will take part in the Ride Don’t Hide Fundraiser to raise funds for mental health supports during COVID-19

Brampton: June 1, 2020: Ryerson University has donated grocery cards to Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin, to support 100 families in our local community during COVID-19. As well, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Ryerson University’s Brampton-based national centre for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration, will partner with the CMHA to support Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually, CMHA’s annual fundraiser for mental health supports. The Catalyst will also enter a team in the fundraiser and will invite other members of the Ryerson community to join Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually.

“We are very thankful for this local partnership as we know that these donations and this participation will go a long way in making a difference in food security and assisting those who have to potentially choose between food and other expenses like rent and utilities,” said CMHA Peel Dufferin CEO David Smith. “Mental health is health,” Smith said. “By donating to those in the community who need support and by joining movements like Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually we can remind everyone that we’re all in this together.”

The Ryerson team was introduced to CMHA Peel Dufferin through local MP for Brampton South, Sonia Sidhu, who said, “When you have a community group looking to help and another group who is helping others, it’s wonderful to be able to make that connection. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this partnership will have on our community.”

“We are proud to be a part of this incredible community and we believe strongly in the work that CMHA Peel Dufferin is doing, especially during COVID-19,” said Ryerson President Mohamed Lachemi. “We look forward to collaborating closely with CMHA Peel Dufferin to support its critical mission.”

From now through the end of June participants in Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually will set a goal to challenge themselves to ride 100 km throughout the month, walk for 25 km, spin for 500 minutes or do something every day and share on their personal fundraising page to raise funds for mental health supports during COVID-19.

Registration for CMHA Peel Dufferin’s Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually is now open.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin

Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin Branch offers services to those 16+ experiencing an addictions or mental health crisis, seniors with dementia, those navigating the court systems, people who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness and family and caregivers.  www.cmhapeeldufferin.ca

-30-

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: