Former NHL player Geoff Courtnall returns for his second Ride DonB次元官网网址檛 Hide this weekend.
Courtnall and his family funded the Archie Courtnall Centre in the Royal Jubilee Hospital back in 2011, named after a father who dealt with depression until his suicide in 1978. The centre was built to assist those with mental illnesses and addictions.
Courtnall says he tries to get involved in any way possible to raise awareness about mental health. When the CMHA approached him several years ago to participate in the Ride DonB次元官网网址檛 Hide event, he immediately took up the opportunity.
B次元官网网址淚 thought itB次元官网网址檇 be a great way to support. ItB次元官网网址檚 all about raising awareness, and I think the more times itB次元官网网址檚 recommended or suggested that people support mental health issues, the more it cuts down on all the different things in our communities weB次元官网网址檙e fighting [to alleviate].B次元官网网址� Courtnall points to the homeless situation in Victoria and those grappling with drug or alcohol abuse. Often, mental health services can reach the root of the problem and help those struggling get back on their feet.
Courtnall hopes to see the same number of cyclists as last yearB次元官网网址檚 event on June 25. B次元官网网址淚t was just a great day. It was a beautiful ride and a sunny day.B次元官网网址� A celebration will be held at Ogden Point after the ride, where a barbecue lunch will be provided to cyclists along with drinks, music, acknowledgements and prizes. The event will conclude at 1 p.m.
Cyclists of all ages and levels are invited to take part in VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 annual Ride DonB次元官网网址檛 Hide event June 25. The event hopes to attract several hundred participants as it has previously, with 105 km, 51 km, 28 km, 18 km and 7 km legs.
B次元官网网址淚t doesnB次元官网网址檛 matter how old you are. ThereB次元官网网址檚 different distances and participation is appreciated,B次元官网网址� Courtnall says.
This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association sends out an urgent call for volunteers. Program Manager for the CMHA Victoria office Jocelyn de Montmorency asks that any able to lend a hand on the day contact event coordinator Gwen Vonarx at gwen.vonarx1@cmha.bc.ca or (250) 216-4228.
View the event day schedule and register at .
