Ride Don’t Hide personal for riders
Registration opens for June 24 benefit ride for the CMHA
Ride Don’t Hide has become personal for Rob Seguin.
The program/brand director at Corus Entertainment’s 100.5 Fresh Radio and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) board member has made it a personal mission to stop others from succumbing to the fate of his brother, who recently took his own life.
“I really hope to see a great turnout this year,” he said after sponsors joined CMHA staff and volunteers as details of the third annual fundraiser were announced at presenting sponsor Leon’s Peterborough on Lansdowne St. W.
The event returns to Nicholls Oval from 9 a.m. to noon on June 24 as well as 30 other communities across Canada. Participants can register as individuals, families or teams and tackle distances of 4, 12 and 26 kilometres along the Rotary Trail.
Nationwide, more than 7,000 riders will raise funds for CMHA services. Locally, proceeds will benefit the Four County Crisis Safe Beds program.
With 260 admissions last year and an average of four beds in use daily, it’s one of the busiest CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge programs, manager of community engagement Kerri Davies told those gathered.
The fundraiser is also personal for Leon’s manager Tom Reburn, who cited the important role physical exercise has played in improving his own mental health and praised the work of the CMHA in helping those in need.
“I truly believe in the importance of organizations such as the CMHA,” he said.
Community ambassador and past top fundraiser Jim Rainey explained why he takes part – because of the need, to boost his own health and to show his support for others. He will lead the Stigma Smashers team in the 26K.
“I really want to make the Four County Crisis Centre a better place,” he said, pointing out how anyone can be affected by mental health and how a quarter of Canadians will experience issues in their lifetime.
Riders who register before the April 30 early bird deadline pay $35 per person and $45 afterwards, organizers stated. Virtual riders and children 12 and under register free.
Riders check in between 9 and 9:45 a.m. and leave the park between 10 and 10:20 a.m. The event will wrap up with a barbecue sponsored by Smokey Joe’s.
The top adult fundraiser will receive a 21-speed Norco Yorkville Comfort hybrid bike and the top child fundraiser will receive a 24-inch Norco Storm Child’s Bike donated by bronze sponsor Fontaine Source for Sports. The top corporate fundraising team will enjoy dinner for eight from the Publican House Brewery.
The Ride Don’t Hide movement began in 2010 when Michael Schratter, a Vancouver teacher and newspaper columnist, embarked on a global journey to cycle 40,000 kilometres, crossing six continents and 33 countries in support of the CMHA.
His mission was to circle the world while sharing stories about mental health and bring attention and awareness to end the stigma of mental illness.