GATINEAU – Bell Let’s Talk ambassador, six-time Olympian Clara Hughes, is hitting the road to raise awareness about mental health among Canadians across the country.
Bell today announced Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk, a national bicycle tour by Hughes in support of mental health that begins in March 2014 and spans more than 100 days, 12,000 kilometres and every province and territory of Canada. The ride culminates on Canada Day, July 1 2014, in Ottawa.
Hughes will invite people in communities around the country to the mental health discussion, sharing her own story of a struggle with depression during her athletic career.
“I'm incredibly excited about bringing even more Canadians into the Bell Let’s Talk conversation – the schools, community groups and hometown champions that are really moving mental health forward,” said Hughes in an announcement. “I’m looking forward to meeting people across Canada, hearing about their challenges and successes, sharing our stories and embracing new ideas and opportunities in mental health. I can’t think of a better way to meet people, from the cities to the coasts to Canada’s North, than getting on my bike and taking to the roads of this beautiful country.”
“Mental health and wellness requires the combined efforts of governments, communities, corporations and individuals,” said Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “We commend Bell Canada and Clara Hughes for their commitment to engaging Canadians in conversations and helping to create communities of compassion and awareness.”
Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk is supported by Canada’s leading mental health organizations, including Agir contre la maladie mentale (AMI-Québec), Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Fondation des maladies mentales. National corporate sponsors include BMO, Canadian Tire, Samsung, and CTV.
Canadians can participate in Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk through community events and social media. For more information, visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide.
