One group of riders  start their  journey – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C.- Just  under 110 bicycle riders  took to the streets of Prince George  this morning in the “Ride Don’t Hide” event.

Carli Staub , President of the Board  of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Prince George  says while  it  is a fund raising event,  it is also about awareness. “This is our 4th Ride Don’t Hide event  and it’s getting bigger every year.”

All of the funds raised today will stay in Prince George says Staub to deliver programs to Prince George citizens.

She says there are  about 150 who are  accessing  the local Canadian Mental Health Association’s services  for life skills “But then we have  many more who  contact us for information and support because there are many who don’t come forward.  That’s what Ride Don’t Hide is  all about, breaking the stigma of mental health.  One in five Canadians will experience mental illness,   so you  know somebody,  you’re related to somebody or maybe it’s you yourself.  So it’s really  about bringing mental  illness out of the shadows  and into the light and talking about it without shame.”

The event saw  plenty of  support from the RCMP.   North District  Chief Superintendent Lesley Bain  and Prince George Detachment  Superintendent Warren Brown were  among those   taking part in the  ride.

(at right, PG RCMP Superintendent Warren Brown  gives a wave as he starts his ride)

The goal for today’s ride in Prince George  is $15 thousand dollars,  donations can still be made online at ridedonthide.com

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