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"The pandemic has taken a toll, so CMHA Grey Bruce is taking action," began a recent media release announcing that the Ride Don't Hide mental health fundraiser is set to return to the region on Sunday, June 26.

"More than 45 percent of Ontario residents report worsening mental health since the onset of the pandemic, which came with school closures, lockdowns, social isolation, and economic insecurity," read the release. "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."

Now in its ninth year, Ride Don’t Hide is rolling with the times and evolving its local rides into the virtual physical activity challenge of participants' choice. A Ride Don’t Hide mobile app will give participants an opportunity to connect with teammates, track their activity, fundraise, spread the word, and participate in weekly challenges throughout June. Participants from across Canada can set a personal challenge to ride, run, walk, dance, or even meditate, for at least 330 minutes throughout the month of June to support CMHA’s community mental health programs and services across its 330 locations across the country.

“The pandemic has been hard, but the silver lining is that more people are aware of their own mental health, and more willing to talk freely about their stresses and struggles,” said Clark MacFarlane, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce. “Our local residents are displaying great resilience and courage in this time of crisis, and this is helping bring mental health into the open,” MacFarlane added.

"This year, local riders, spinners, walkers, runners, yogis, meditators, and other mental health champions, will raise funds to support youth mental health, social programs as well as domestic violence prevention in Grey Bruce," the release said, adding that the in-person event will be held at Kelso Beach on Sunday, June 26 or participants can sign up as a virtual rider to participate.

“Two things that have gotten me through the past year are my friends and my walks outside. I really want our community to know that there is help if they need it, so I’m running 100km from now until June 26th and asking sponsors to support me,” said April Robinson, Special Events Coordinator CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addictions Services. “We need to raise funds for mental health now more than ever.”

In past nine years, Ride Don’t Hide Grey Bruce has raised over $400,000 for local mental health programs and services.

“People can set their own goals and move in their own way, on their own time, but it all rolls up to more timely, more accessible mental health help when people need it,” said MacFarlane. “Find that walking buddy and join your neighbours to raise money, raise your heart rate and raise your spirits."

To register or donate to the Grey Bruce event, visit https://cmha.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=644.