The Canadian Mental Health Association of Lambton Kent has officially kicked off its Ride Don't Hide campaign leading up to the summer event.
About a dozen riders participated in a ceremonial spin class Tuesday evening at the Mooretown Sports Complex.
Fund Development Coordinator Angela Kirkland says about 400 local riders are expected to participate on June 26th in hopes of raising $50,000 for preventative education programs.
"It helps to educate people in our community about mental illnesses, signs and symptoms, where to go for help, and resources that are available in the community," she says, "and more importantly with our students, to break the stigma and learning what that's all about around mental illness."
Kirkland says this year, Cathcart Boulevard Public School and Lakeroad Public School are teaming up to join the ride as well. Grade 7 and 8 students will participate in a 10km off road ride on the Howard Watson Nature Trail June 16th.
Lambton Kent is one of 32 Canadian cities across five provinces that hopes to engage about 8,000 riders and raise $1.5-million for mental health programs.
All ages and walks of life are invited to help break the stigma and raise funds through www.ridedonthide.com.
