Ride raises over $50,000 for youth mental health support in Vernon

Support for youth mental health got a significant boost as cyclists and walkers took to the streets Sept. 16.

The 2023 Ride Don't Hide brought the community together to speak out about the importance of mental health and supporting one another.

They also raised more than $25,000, matched by the Galbraith Family Foundation, for a total of more than $50,000.

"Our family couldn't be happier to support this incredible event that brings mental health awareness to the foreground," said Kyle Galbraith, on behalf of the Galbraith Family Foundation.

Ride Don't Hide began at Polson Park and featured multiple routes ranging from 1.2 to 50 kilometres, with options to walk or ride as an individual or a team. Over 50 participants came together to raise funds that will allow Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon to get one step closer to opening the doors of the recently announced Foundry Vernon.

"We would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and community members who came together to make this event such a huge success," said Julia Payson, Vernon & District CMHA executive director.

"These funds will help us to provide critical services to support young people with the programs they need, when they need them."

The opening of Foundry in Vernon will give young people a safe place where support for mental health, substance use, physical and sexual health, youth and family peer support, and social services such as employment, income and housing can be accessed in one single location.