Coming together for a common cause was the theme June 23 as 500 riders and walkers took part in The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation. The event raised $122,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna for essential programs and services around mental health and suicide prevention – with more still coming in.
The event, called The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride in memory of two brothers who lost their lives, served as a place for people to come together and share their stories as a way to increase awareness and understanding. “There are many in our community who still feel the stigma – that’s why events like this are so important, so no one feels alone,” says Shelagh Turner, CMHA Kelowna’s Executive Director. “We are very grateful to everyone who rode, walked, donated and supported this event and we want them to know those in our community who are struggling, see it and are grateful too.”
This year’s event utilized the Okanagan Rail Trail for a 6km, 25km or 50km bicycle ride and Knox Mountain Park for a 4 and 6km walk through Knox Mountain Park – a new addition for 2019. It also featured a generous donation from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, who matched Budd’s 100 registrants first $100 in fundraising. Local restaurant BNA Brewing Co. also matched the first $25 of fundraising for the group. Other event sponsors included JDS Mining, Innov8 Digital Solutions, Coast Capital Savings, Orthoquest Pedorthics and Rehabilitation, SunRype and Peter’s Independent Grocer.
Money raised for the event will stay locally, going to CMHA Kelowna programs and services that help people of all ages access the help and support they need to live their best lives. The 2020 date and location for Kelowna will be announced in January, 2020.
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