Canadian Mental Health Association - South Cariboo (CMHA-SC) is hosting its inaugural Ride for Mental Health on June 24 at the 108 Heritage Site.
The purpose of the event is to bring awareness to mental health and to support fundraising for non-funded programs, such as Soup de Tour and Community Navigator, says Valinda Boyd, CMHA-SC board member for fundraising.
"Mental Health week starts May 7 and we are officially launching this event then. We are asking people to ‘save the date’ and be a part of the ride.”
This event is one way for CMHA-SC to reduce the stigma of mental health, Boyd says, adding healthy living promotes mental health.
Says CMHA-SC executive director Maggie Patterson-Dickey: "This, like our involvement with the Celebration of Lights auction, is to supplement our ongoing programs."
There will be a display at the 100 Mile House Branch Library during Mental Health week [May 7-13] with information on the upcoming bike ride, says Boyd.
"We are looking to have lots of riders there. We have 3 different rides set up."
She explains there is a seven-kilometre ride that goes around the 108 Mile Lake; a 10-km ride that takes in 108 and Sepa lakes; and a 15-km ride that includes the lakes as well as taking in The Hills trail.
Prizes will be given out that day, she says, adding that they are looking for sponsorships and have different levels of participation.
For more information or to volunteer, call Boyd at 250-395-4419 or check out the website at www.southcariboo.cmha.bc.ca.