Ride Don’t Hide aims to end mental health stigma

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Hoping to end the stigma and put a human face to mental illness, tens of thousands of cyclists will take to the road for Ride Don’t Hide fundraisers around the country.

The largest single day bike ride in Canada has humble beginnings.

Organizer Michael Schratter started the ride in 2010 when he rode 40,000 kilometres around the world to share his personal struggle with bipolar disorder. “That really took a toll on me and you know as my identity was building in my team years, this notion that having a mental health challenge was a character flaw.”

“It wasn’t so much the mental health challenge, but rather this notion that I had something to hide and something to be ashamed of. Up until very recently, mental health issues just weren’t talked about. They were family secrets, they were swept and put into the closet.”

He says they’ve raised more than $3.5 million for youth and family mental health support programs in Canada over the last five rides.

The Lower Mainland ride takes place around Swangard Stadium until 2pm.

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