A community that comes together to let anyone who may be struggling with their mental health know – they are not alone. That’s the vision of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna and that’s the goal of the organization’s annual community event, The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride.
Registration is now open for the 2019 ride taking place this June 23. Last year, the day saw more than 500 riders rally together to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
“It was such an incredible feeling to see hundreds of people standing, and riding, together,” says Shelagh Turner, CMHA Kelowna’s Executive Director. “There were smiles and tears but most importantly – there was understanding that if you are struggling, you don’t have to hide, you don’t have to stay silent. That’s what we want this ride to represent, that as a community we are here to support you.”
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. New to the Kelowna event this year is a special walking portion called Stride Don’t Hide as well as new bike routes that take riders along the scenic Okanagan Rail Trail.
A popular element of last year’s event is back for this year. Any rider who signs up for Budd’s 100 and agrees to raise $100 will have their $40 registration fee automatically waived and, in a significant show of support from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, their $100 in fundraising will be matched.
Individuals, families and teams can register now for The Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Ride taking place June 23, 2019 at www.cmhakelowna.com/rdhkelowna. The ride start and finish line will be located at the baseball diamond at the Kelowna Curling Club. This year’s event includes two walking routes through Knox Mountain, a 6.5 KM Kids and Family route, a 20 KM route and a 50 KM Advanced route. The event will raise money for essential programs and services in our community, workplaces and schools – programs that help people live their best lives.
