On June 23, 2019, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will host its 8th Annual “Ride Don’t Hide” event, the largest mental health bike ride in Canada. Thousands of Canadians from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia aren’t hiding. They are cycling to bring Mental Health into the Open and put an end to the stigma of mental illness.
CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide is an annual fundraising bike ride held in seven provinces in over 25 communities. Supported by the fundraising efforts of almost 10,000 riders, Ride Don’t Hide will raise funds for essential programs and services in your local communities, workplaces and schools – programs that change lives. Programs that save lives.
When we hide, mental health stays hidden. When we ride, we create change. This year, on June 23, ride to Bring Mental Health into the Open. Ride. Don’t Hide. It’s more than the name of the event. It’s also the reason we’re riding.
Visit ridedonthide.com for more information and to register today!
The Reason I Ride
Afsana grew up in country where she did not have the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to learn – it was forbidden for girls to ride and therefore Afsana would never be able to learn. If you met Afsana she would tell you that when she moved to Canada riding a bike was on her bucket list. In fact for the past decade it remained a goal she wanted to complete. For many years Afsana has volunteered for Ride Don’t Hide and returns home after the event feeling disappointed for not being able to participate as a rider. Well this year Afsana has challenged herself to be a rider in the 4km ride and is registered and team captain of Afsana’s Learn to Earn. The video is her practicing with her son Shoja at a local high school track. We couldn’t be more proud of our colleague Afsana for her determination in making this bucket list dream a reality. Way to go Afsana – thank you for sharing your incredible story!
Afsana works for the CMHA MB Winnipeg office as the Housing Coordinator for Community Housing with Supports.