Then a group of about 25 riders pedalled with me to the Art Gallery at the city centre. A live band, "Radio Play" greeted us and the Rebecca Sheilds, Executive Director of the CMHA MC'd the ceremonies. A city counsellor (who is also a psychiatrist) Dr. Kerry Jang, commented on the City's commitment to mental health and spoke of several initiatives. A local radio personality, Dr Art Hister, made a great speech with some humour and they gave me about 10 minutes.
I introduced my daughter Lindsay who spoke for 3 minutes and then I spoke for about 5and had an opportunity to thank the organizers and the band and the CMHA and talk a little about our objectives. Then Event Chair, Andy McKilligan, recognized the committee and then presented a cheque for $7777.00.
We mounted our bikes and rode out with several police officers on bikes escorting us out of town. Things went very smoothly and even the weather cooperated. So my quote for the day is "Thanks to Andy and the Vancouver team for an amazing launch of the Ride For Mental Health. We had a fun first day of riding, arriving in Mission about 85 K from Vancouver. There are countless hills and mountains between here and Calgary. They worry me but I'm going to knock them down one at a time. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at a great event in Calgary."
Hey Mel. I was at the send-off and am so delighted to see you doing this. As someone who has been giving the past ten years of her life to raising awareness I know how this ride is so very important. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll keep on blogging as you travel across the country. I want to keep tabs on you.
I'm praying for you and for the good this is going to do.
- marja bergen
Author of "Riding the Roller Coaster" and "A Firm Place to Stand."