Another major fundraiser in Prince George has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has announced the 2020 Ride Don't Hide has been cancelled following recommendations from B.C.'s Health Ministry and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
“During these unprecedented times, we need to follow the recommendation of the Ministry of Health as well as concern for the health and safety for all our participants, volunteers and riders," CMHA-PG Executive Director Maureen Davis says in a release.
"It is our plan to be back and riding next year in June 2021 and planning for that has already began."
"We would like to encourage people to stay connected with friends, family and other supports and not to neglect our mental health as we practice good physical health activities. Even though our event is cancelled this year we still call on people to talk openly and honestly about how they are coping during this pandemic and to reach out to professional supports if your feelings become overwhelming or too you are unable to focus on anything else.”
The movement started with a Vancouver Teacher named Michael Schratter, who lives with bipolar disorder and spend close to a year and a half cycling 40,000 km around the world to raise awareness and empower those that struggle with mental health issues.
He only had his bike, bag and determination.
His story has inspired millions of people and he's raised close to $100,000 for CMHA.
"We would also like to remind citizens of Prince George that our programs are still ongoing and to visit our website for a list of services and how to access www.princegeorge.cmha.bc.ca," the release says.
