Ride Don’t Hide mental health fundraiser returns in June 2022

May 31, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ride Don’t Hide mental health fundraiser returns in June 2022

Brampton, ON, May 31, 2022: Far from feeling the pandemic is over, most people in Canada are stressed about what’s next, with 64% worried about new variants and 57% worried about COVID-19 circulating in the population for years to come. Two years of pandemic-related stressors, including grief and trauma, are likely to lead to significant long-term mental health effects on both our population and the frontline mental health providers caring for them. In response, the nation’s largest mental health bike ride, Ride Don’t Hide, is bringing people together to raise funds in support of the mental health and well-being of our hardest hit community members, while boosting their own moods through movement.

Ride Don’t Hide Greater Toronto is a community fundraiser that offers a virtual physical activity challenge of your choice. Generously supported by Facility Plus, Ride Don’t Hide allows participants to connect with teammates, track their activity, fundraise, spread the word, and learn how moving more and giving back can help them to cope better. Participants from across Canada will set a personal challenge to ride, run, walk, dance, or even meditate, for at least 330 minutes throughout the month of June. Money raised through this month-long event will support CMHA’s vital community mental health programs and services in Toronto, Peel and Dufferin.

“Cold weather, a slow start to spring, and pandemic fatigue have left so many feeling worn out and disconnected,” says David Smith, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin. “Coming together virtually to run, bike, walk, dance, or do yoga, is helping participants’ mental health and raising awareness for this important cause. We are so grateful for all those who take part and every dollar raised goes into supporting mental health and addiction services for clients in our community.”

One group who is taking part in our Greater Toronto Ride Don’t Hide is the Annex Retirement Residence’s Mindful Walking Group.

“I think it’s an important cause to support,” says Diane, a resident at The Annex. “We know that getting out, being social, and making sure we are active helps our mental health. Here we are lucky and can do those things, and I want to help raise money to make sure everyone can get the support they need.”

The Annex Retirement Residence residents and staff have registered their team ‘The Annex Super Active Seniors,’ and started raising money in late May with a craft and plant sale. They will begin officially tracking their progress as of June 1 (the start of Seniors’ Month), with pedometers to measure activities such as mindful walking, dancing, and chair aerobics for 15 minutes a day, three times a week for the entire time period.

“We are so excited to keep moving together for a cause,” says Annex resident Helen. “I hope our story and our fundraising inspires other people to help CMHA.”

To find out more, please visit www.ridedonthide.com/greatertoronto.

About Ride Don’t Hide

Ride Don’t Hide is the largest mental health bike ride in Canada, raising over $12 million dollars in the past decade for community-based Canadian Mental Health Association mental health programs and services.

About CMHA Peel Dufferin

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin Branch offers services to people experiencing challenges in addictions and mental health, those in crisis, those navigating the court systems, people who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness, and family and caregivers. www.cmhapeeldufferin.ca.

CMHA Peel Dufferin champions good mental health for everyone and supports the full participation of those with mental illness and addictions in the life of the community.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

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For more information or to reach a spokesperson, please contact:

Siobhan Kukolic
Communications Officer
(416) 521-5387
kukolics@cmhapeel.ca