Today's The Day!

Well, this is it. In a few short hours we'll be underway. It almost doesn't seem real. We are nervous and excited at the same time. Can't wait to finally get on the road, but also more than a little apprehensive about what the next few months will hold for us. If the short drive out from Toronto to Vancouver is any indication, it will be awesome and unpredictable, it will test our strength, it will be overwhelming and it will be energizing. In short, it will be an amazing journey.

What started out as a small idea to raise awareness about Mental Health has grown into a national campaign. Our committee and supporters have grown from just a few family members to as much as one hundred hardworking, committed volunteers across Canada. From the start, Jim Doherty, Martine Normand and Sheilah Reid understood and mobilized support within the Xerox community and Deborah Deacon and Heather Armstrong from CMHA, Toronto branch have lent their expertise to this endeavour. Many thanks to all the contributors who have helped get us to the starting point, and continue to support The Ride for Mental Health. Clearly this is an important issue for all Canadians.

Yesterday, on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, we met with committee organizers Andy MacKilligan and Rob Davies of Xerox and Rebecca Sheilds of the Vancouver branch of the CMHA.(and yes, it was raining - but hey, that's Vancouver they said). What an event they have planned for the Kick Off! There will be speakers, balloons, a live band, information on mental health, and tents in case of rain because, hey, that's Vancouver. We are inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm for this project.

As I write this blog, it looks like the clouds are breaking up and the sun is coming out. Hey, it's Vancouver, and a great day for a ride.