CMHA P.G.  Volunteer Devon Sluchinski  presents special commemorative shirt to MP Todd Doherty- photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – The Ride Don’t Hide  fundraising campaign is over for this year,   but the  fight to assist  those with mental  health  issues continues.

This morning,  the Canadian Mental Health Association, Prince George Branch,  presented a special   Ride Don’t Hide  bicyclist shirt to  Cariboo Prince George MP Todd Doherty.

“We don’t do it for this” said Doherty as he accepted the shirt,  which has the word “Champion”  written on the back.   Doherty has been  a champion for those with PTSD,  pushing through  legislation that would develop a national framework for  dealing with  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.   Doherty says PTSD continues to  take lives “Sadly we lost  three  first responders in Ontario in just the last 48 hours.”

Mary Lu Spagrud,  Manager of Education and Projects at the CMHA Prince George Branch  praised Doherty for his efforts to bring  attention  and help  to those who are suffering  with PTSD  and other mental health  issues.

The Ride Don’t Hide  fundraising bicycle  ride  event in Prince George  last month attracted 140 riders,  and  raised  44% of its $35 thousand dollar goal.  All of the dollars raised in Prince George stay in this community for programs and services.   Falling short of the goal  concerned MP Doherty “We can do better,  We have to do better.”

The date for the 2018 Ride Don’t Hide event has been set.  It will take place on June 24th.   Registration  for the event   will be open in a couple of weeks.