The Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Ride at Âé¶čAVâs Sutherland Bay Park saw about 250 people walk or cycle for mental health.
Under the Canadian Mental Health Association, the ride takes place across the country as Ride Donât Hide raising funds and awareness to support those struggling with their mental health.
CMHA Âé¶čAVâs Associate Director for Community Engagement Jessica Samuels explains why the local ride has a different name.
âOur ride here in Âé¶čAV is in honour of the memory of two young men, Payton and Dillon Budd, who died, lost their lives to suicide,â Samuels said.
âThe Thomas Allan Budd Foundation. Tom Budd is the father of Payton and Dillon Budd, and he has been a really strong advocate and ambassador for mental health in our community but also talking about the fact that individuals struggle with mental health. We are so lucky to have Tom and his foundation come along as the title sponsor and thatâs why here in Âé¶čAV weâre known as .â
There was a six-kilometre route for anyone who wished to walk. Those on wheels could ride six, 25, 50, or even 100 kilometres.
Maylon Head rode the 50-kilometer route in honour of his mom.
âIâm here because mental health has affected my life quite directly. Me and my family we lost my mom, she passed away a year and a half ago due to mental illness. Obviously, itâs been very difficult on my family, so we found ways to turn it into positive energy.â
Participants were treated to gelato and had the chance to enter for raffle prizes.
The day surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000 to support mental health initiatives locally.
READ MORE: West Âé¶čAV resident cycling across B.C. for mental health awareness
READ MORE: Âé¶čAV Pride march and festival takes over downtown
brittany.webster@blackpress.ca
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