More than 650 riders, walkers and runners brought Mental Health in Motion to Newmarket yesterday to raise funds for Ontario's first mobile walk-in clinic for youth.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, York South Simcoe (CMHA YSS) hosted the event, its new signature fundraiser for MOBYSS, which travels to where youth are in York Region and South Simcoe to offer free mental, physical and sexual health support.
The fun family event kicked off at Upper Canada Mall for riders of all levels who cycled, ran and walked in 100, 60, 20, or five-kilometre routes, raising $151,116 to date toward the $275,000 goal.
Ontario's newly appointed associate minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo, attended, as well as former York Regional Police deputy chief and now Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique, who cycled for his fifth year.
It was wonderful to attend the 2nd Annual Mental Health in Motion Day in Newmarket today. Mental Health is health and as the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I am looking forward to working and building a strong mental health network in the province. @CMHAYork pic.twitter.com/fcvRjyCZKO
— Michael Tibollo (@MichaelTibollo) June 23, 2019
Top individual fundraiser Judy Brunton raised more than $22,400, a well-known local youth mental health advocate — her personalized licence plate reads "ENDSTIGMA" — who participated in the ride for the sixth time this year, along with her sons Charles and Jacob.
"I raise awareness and funds for youth in all of York Region and South Simcoe — in honor of my sisters, Laurie and Ally, and in memory of my brother and cousin, Dave and Geoff. The money won't help them but I do this for them," her fundraising page states.
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Members of the top fundraising team, The Bipolar Express, raised more than $40,000 in its third year participating in the local ride event.
"The Bipolar Express is all about helping to end the isolation and stigma surrounding mental illness. We are friends, family and colleagues of team captain Beth Beattie, who lived for years in fear that people would find out she has bipolar disorder. Two years ago, Beth flew out of the mental illness closet, speaking openly about her illness and, in so doing, experienced a newfound freedom. We want to do what we can to help others believe they, too, can share their stories and get the support they need," states the team fundraising page.
The event also raises awareness about the importance of being physically active and enjoying quality time with friends and family in a community setting, while also calling out the stigma surrounding mental health.
For the past six years, CMHA YSS has joined more than 30 CMHA community branches across the country to participate in Ride Don’t Hide, the largest mental health bike ride in Canada, raising more than $1 million for essential mental health programs, services, workplaces and schools. In recognition of 100 years serving the community, CMHA YSS rebranded the local ride, run, walk event to raise the profile of mental health and impact of the local branch.
