Kelowna’s single largest fundraiser for mental health was back June 11, 2023 at Sutherland Bay Park and was a huge success.
The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride celebrated its 10th year raising awareness and much needed funds for CMHA Kelowna’s mental health programs and supports.
For the past decade thousands of riders have taken part in the event to ‘ride don’t hide’ – shining a light on the reality that mental health impacts everyone. The money raised at The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride helps fund CMHA Kelowna’s wide range of programs available for people of all ages.
“In the past decade we have seen the stigma around mental health, mental illness, and suicide begin to decrease, which is a good thing,” says Mike Gawliuk, CEO for CMHA Kelowna. “What it also means is that there are more people recognizing that they, or a loved one, needs help and so each year we see an increase in the number of people asking for services and supports.”
This year’s event had more than 450 riders and striders raised $127,000…and counting.
“At its core, this ride is about community,” says Gawliuk. “The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is a chance to come together and show each other what a mentally healthy community can look like. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and donated to make this year such a success.”
CMHA Kelowna is grateful to have the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation as the Presenting Sponsor and the Budd’s 100 promotion. Riders who signs up for Budd’s 100 and agreed to raise $100 had their $55 registration fee automatically waived and, in a significant show of support from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, had their $100 in fundraising matched.
The organization would like to thank the numerous business who supported the event through generous donations of time, money and promotion.
Click here to see the 2023 video of The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride from Cycle Path
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