Seven divas from Delta will don bike gear and strap on their tiaras this Sunday to take part in the Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don't Hide Greater Vancouver community bike ride.
The fourth annual event brings awareness to mental health issues and raises funds to support women and their families at local branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Alison Martin, Meredith Martin, Madeline Martin, Karen Horn, Susan Reh-Bosch, Anika Bosch and Judy Gray, who is the executive director of CMHA Delta, are seven of approximately 3,600 riders in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario who collectively aim to raise funds for the cause.
"Meredith and I volunteered with Ride Don't Hide last year as route marshals," says Alison Martin, who works for CMHA Delta in program delivery. "We were caught up in the enthusiasm and thought: Why not ride next year?" Riders of all ages and abilities can participate in the event, which organizers stress is not a race.
The Divas will begin their ride from Swangard Stadium in Burnaby at 10 a.m., winding their way through scenic Vancouver neighbourhoods, ending back at Swangard Stadium to participate in the food, fun and music.
"We're hoping to raise $900 and so far have reached $875," says Alison Martin. "And just as importantly, we'll be part of a movement that is helping to remove the stigma from mental illness."
Anyone interested in supporting the Divas in their ride can do so in a variety of ways: join the team, create a separate team, be a "virtual" rider, volunteer or donate. Shoppers Drug Mart is selling pink wristbands in support of the event.
More information is available at http://ridedonthide.com/bc/ride/greatervancouver/ or by contacting CMHA Delta at 604-943-1878.
