**CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION MEDIA RELEASE**

We all have the power to be a mental health role model and positively impact Canada’s mental health landscape. That’s the message from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) as it gears up to host its annual Ride Don’t Hide event, Canada’s largest mental health bike ride, taking place in Kirkland Lake and more than 30 communities across the country on June 24th.

CMHA Cochrane-Timiskaming is proud to announce that we are adding a 10km run as part of Ride Don’t Hide this year. “We have heard from the community that more people want to participate in the event and support the cause. We are hopeful that adding the run will give more people an opportunity to be part of this fun event and help us reach our fundraising goal” said Andreanne Denis, Communications Manager at CMHA-CT.

Ride Don’t Hide is open to all ages and skill levels. The event includes a 10km, 32km, 65km and 100km rides as well as a 10km run to appeal to all levels of fitness. Individuals, families and teams can register online at http://ridedonthide.com/on/ride/cochrane_timiskaming/. Registration is $35 until June 22nd for youth and adults and free for children 12 and under. The registration fee will increase to $50 on June 23rd and 24th. Registration includes a Ride Don’t Hide t-shirt, swag bag and lunch. Route support will be available along all routes, including water stations and first aid support.

Ride Don’t Hide raises funds to support mental health services in all areas served by CMHA-CT and raises awareness for mental health by bringing people from all walks of life together. Over the past three years, Ride Don’t Hide has raised more than $30,000 locally to support people living with mental illness. Funds raised through Ride Don’t Hide have supported local mental health programs and initiatives such as supporting individuals in securing and maintaining safe housing, and made it possible for clients to benefit from various activities and sports through active recovery. Funds raised by local participants remains in their community.

Join us!

When: Sunday, June 24th from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Northern College, Kirkland Lake Campus
What: Ride Don’t Hide
Why: Raise funds and awareness for mental health

“Awareness events such as Ride Don’t Hide play an important role in building supportive communities where everyone belongs” says Clark MacFarlane, Executive Director at CMHA Cochrane-Timiskaming. “Ride Don’t Hide also helps us offer innovative mental health services that meet the needs in our communities.”

We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of Ride Don’t Hide:
– CJKL FM
– St Cyr & Associates
– Kirkland Lake Gold
– Dumas Contracting
– Alex MacIntyre and Associates
– Barry H. Martin Architectural and Engineering Consulting Firm
– Wyatt Image Solutions
– Smart Ofis
– Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming OPP Association
– The Cooperators, New Liskeard
– Pettenuzzo’s YIG
– Sutherland Printing
– B&R Enviro Services

About Ride Don’t Hide

Ride Don’t Hide is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in celebration and support of mental health for all, with the goal of ending the stigma around mental illness. First launched with Michael Schratter’s 40,000 km ride around the globe in 2010, Ride Don’t Hide is a growing national movement with community bike rides in more than 30 communities across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. This year CMHA aims to engage more than 10,000 participants and raise $1,700,000 for mental health programs. Join the movement and find your local community ride at www.ridedonthide.com.