Record-breaking Ride Don’t Hide event raises over $1.5 million for mental health across Canada

Hundreds of cyclists take to the Caledon Hills to take part in Canada’s largest mental health bike ride, breaking down stigma and building a community of hope

Brampton, Ontario – 6,700 mental health supporters took part nationally in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Ride Don’t Hide charity bike ride Sunday, June 25 raising over $1.5 million for mental health programs and services.

Locally, 230 riders raised over $50,400 for CMHA Peel Dufferin’s youth mental health and awareness programs. Despite rain partway through the ride, cyclists and families cycled the 4 picturesque routes in Caledon to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support CMHA Peel Dufferin’s youth mental health and awareness programs.

Ride Don’t Hide took place in 30 communities throughout the country, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, making it Canada’s largest community bike ride for mental health. All funds raised through the events go toward CMHA’s mental health programs within the local communities.

“It is so inspiring to see Canadians coming out in the thousands to support mental health in their communities,” said Dr. Patrick Smith, national CMHA CEO. “We’ve already raised more for mental health than last year’s record and we are well on our way to meeting our goal of $1.7 million.”

There’s still plenty of time to contribute to the cause and help Ride Don’t Hide reach its national target with online donations being accepted until July 31 at http://ridedonthide.com/on/ride/peel-dufferin/.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors including:

• National Sponsors: Rocky Mountain, Scimitar, Frontstream and Clif Bar
• Gold Sponsor: RBC Foundation
• Silver Sponsor: Jeff Rice Family Foundation
• Bronze Sponsors: Bernardi Human Resources Law LLP and Fidelity Investments
• Community Sponsors: CI Investments, Innovative Sign Solution, Manulife Financial, The Meyer Financial Group (CIBC Wood Gundy) and Sentry Investments

Special thanks to our community partners:

• The Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and Peel Regional Police
• Four Corners Bakery for the wonderful breakfast and lunch for our cyclists and volunteers
• The Belfountain General Store – for hosting our water station & providing bottled water
• Creative Soul Yoga – Caledon
• Core Power – for helping our cyclists replenish nutrients after the ride
• The Water Depot (Bolton) for keeping everyone hydrated
• Mississauga Steelheads and Bell Canada – who helped make the day extra special for cyclists and volunteers

We also thank the following community supporters for their donations and support, which helped ensure the Ride Don’t Hide was a success: Express Auto (Caledon East), Lifestyle Promotions, Mississauga Marathon, St. John’s Ambulance, the Region of Peel and the Town of Caledon.

For more information and to donate to CMHA Peel Dufferin’s Ride visit www.ridedonthide.com and click on Peel Dufferin-Caledon Hills.