Arriving in Victoria tomorrow, May 15, Clara Hughes continues the journey to a stigma-free Canada in Nanaimo, Vancouver, Hope, Merritt, Kelowna, Osoyoos, Grand Forks, Nelson, Creston and Cranbrook
WHITEHORSE, YT, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Starting tomorrow and for the next 14 days, Canadian Olympian Clara Hughes brings the Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk to communities across British Columbia.
Today, on Day 62 of Clara's Big Ride, and after riding more than 700 kilometres on the Dempster Highway from Inuvik, NT to Dawson City, YT, Clara is in Whitehorse. She's taking part in a community walk starting at 11:50 am at the Main Street Wharf and will attend a barbeque and concert at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre at 5:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
"I've met so many wonderful people and heard so many moving stories at school events and community gatherings as I've journeyed across Canada's territories. I'd like to thank the great people of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and everyone here in Yukon for their warm welcome and clear commitment to a Canada free of stigma around mental illness," said Clara. "I'm really looking forward to sharing mental health stories with people in BC starting tomorrow!"
Clara arrives in Victoria tomorrow and will attend a welcome event at the Legislative Assembly at 3 pm. At 7:30 pm, Clara will attend Hats off to Clara Hughes, a celebration and fundraiser for the Bipolar Disorder Society at Victoria's Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street.
Clara's Big Ride in British Columbia
Clara will visit the following communities during her Ride through British Columbia:
Victoria – May 15 to 16
Nanaimo – May 16 to 17
Vancouver – May 17 to 19
Hope – May 19 to 20
Merritt – May 20 to 21
Kelowna – May 21 to 22
Osoyoos – May 22 to 23
Grand Forks – May 23 to 24
Nelson – May 24 to 26
Creston – May 26 to 27
Cranbrook – May 27 to 28
Each day of Clara's Big Ride in British Columbia includes presentations at schools and other community events organized by local Community Champions. More details on daily events and the Big Ride Community Champions can be found at Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide.
"We're so grateful for the leadership and hard work of our Community Champions in British Columbia and across the country. They are key to growing the mental health conversation and helping to make all our communities stigma free," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "With the support of these great local partners, Clara's Big Ride is growing awareness, acceptance and action at the grassroots level right across Canada."
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
Jacqueline Michelis, Bell Media Relations, 613 785-1427, jacqueline.michelis@bell.caCopyright CNW Group 2014