Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk returns to Québec with a visit to Kuujjuaq

Setting out from Nain, NL tomorrow morning, Clara Hughes brings her message of a stigma-free Canada to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL before heading north to Kuujjuaq, QC

NAIN, NL, April 29, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Six-time Olympic medalist and Bell Let's Talk national spokesperson Clara Hughes heads to Kuujjuaq, QC tomorrow after 12 days in Newfoundland and Labrador – including visits to Hopedale and Nain today and Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow.

"I'm really excited to return to Kuujjuaq tomorrow after concluding my visit to wonderful Newfoundland and Labrador. I have so many happy memories of my time in Nunavik working with young people and can't wait to get back to share the mental health message," said Clara. "In Newfoundland and Labrador, I've been truly inspired by the people I've met at school events and community gatherings across the province, here in Nain and in beautiful Hopedale this morning. Really looking forward to visiting Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow before heading north to Nunavik tomorrow afternoon!"

Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk is an unprecedented 110-day, 12,000-kilometre bike journey around Canada to achieve a nation free of the stigma around mental illness. Riding in Newfoundland and Labrador since April 19, Clara has also visited Channel-Port aux Basques, Stephenville, Corner Brook, Springdale, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Clarenville, Bay Roberts, St. John's and Hopedale.

Clara in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Nain today – Until 8 pm tonight, Clara will attend the community welcome event and celebration of life at Jens Haven Memorial School gymnasium.
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow, April 30 – Clara will be guest speaker at the mental health fair at College of the North Atlantic starting at 11:00 am.

Clara in Kuujjuaq

• Tomorrow, April 30 at 6 pm, Clara will attend a welcome event at the Kuujjuamiut Arena, 1610 Akkianuk Road.

Everyone is welcome at these events. Clara's presentations at schools and other community events are organized by local Community Champions. More details on daily events and the Big Ride Community Champions can be found at Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide.

"Our Community Champions are key to the success of Clara's Big Ride and we thank them for their leadership and hard work in growing the mental health conversation and making their communities stigma free," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "With the support of these partners, Clara's Big Ride is growing awareness, acceptance and action in communities at the grassroots level."

Share in Clara's Big Ride
Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk began on March 14 and will cover 12,000 kilometres through every province and territory before concluding in Ottawa on Canada Day, July 1. Everyone can participate in the Ride through community events and social media. Please visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide or follow the latest Ride news on Twitter at @Bell_LetsTalk or on Facebook at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk.

Clara's Big Ride is powered by our National Partners – Aimia, BMO, Canadian Tire, Cisco, Lundbeck, President's Choice and Samsung – who are providing significant support for the Ride. For more information, please visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide/Partners.

Bell Let's Talk
Bell Let's Talk promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, like Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk and Bell Let's Talk Day, and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

SOURCE Bell Canada