Supporting a Mentally Healthy Kelowna
It was the 5th year that more than 130 golfers came together for Primaris’ Orchard Park Shopping Centre golf tournament to tee off for mental health in Kelowna. The annual event links the importance of mental health awareness, programs and support for everyone in the community – this year raising $105,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna.
While some people who consider suicide do so fleetingly or only once in their lives, others may experience ongoing thoughts of suicide or experience them off and on over time. People may feel that suicidal thoughts are holding them hostage. Experiencing these thoughts may feel like absolute darkness, hopelessness, pain, and like nothing matters but stopping that pain. As friends and loved ones, we may feel at a loss to help.
If the person at risk of suicide is in immediate crisis, the emergency department is the right place to go. Otherwise, creating a safety plan is a good way forward.
JDS Energy & Mining has come on board as a partner sponsor of The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, which raises funds the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna branch.
“Our business is based on people,” says Jeff Stibbard, CEO of JDS Energy & Mining. “Mental health impacts all of us, whether in the workplace, at home or in the community. We all have a connection to this cause which is why it is important to us to support and participate in this event.”
CMHA Kelowna Executive Director Shelagh Turner says mental health is everyone’s business, “It really does affect all of us. That’s why we are pleased to have JDS Mining & Energy on board. They are helping to raise awareness that no matter who you are, where you work, or what you do, mental health has to be a priority – for all of us.”
Nationally known as Ride Don’t Hide, the event in Kelowna is named after two brothers in the community who lost their lives. The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is for all ages and abilities. Last year, 500 people came out to ride. This year’s event will utilize the Okanagan Rail Trail for a 6km, 25km or 50km bicycle ride that will start and finish at the Baseball Diamond at the Kelowna Curling Club and. New for 2019 is the addition of a 4 or 6km walk to Knox Mountain Park.
Money raised at the event go to essential CMHA Kelowna programs and services in our community, workplaces and schools – programs that help people live their best lives.
Registration for all routes is $40 or you can choose to sign up as part of Budd’s 100 to more than double your fundraising efforts. When you join Budd’s 100, you agree to raise $100 for CMHA Kelowna and your $40 registration fee is automatically waived. PLUS, thanks to the generosity of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, when you select this option your $100 in fundraising will be matched AND thank you to BNA Brewing Co. who has come on board to match an additional $25. That’s $125 in matching donations for everyone who signs up for Budd’s 100! To register, donate of volunteer at The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride visit www.ridedonthide.com/kelowna