- Kilometers traveled: 2800km
- Amount raised: $22,612.00
“It’s not just a bike – It’s the gears of change to help stop the stigma”
On August 1, 2010, Michael Schratter, a Vancouver School Board teacher and social columnist embarks on a global journey to cycle 40,000 km, crossing 6 continents and 30 countries. His mission is to circumnavigate the world and in doing so to bring attention and awareness to the stigma surrounding mental illness. Riding on behalf of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC), proceeds will benefit CMHA BC and their youth and adolescent educational initiatives.
“If we talk about the absurdity of mental illness stigma it will begin to disappear. If we can share the common story of how mental illness affects our lives, we will see it for what it is — a variation of the human condition. To harbour mental illness stigma is to harbour a stigma against humanity.”
– Michael Schratter
Help break the stigma. We invite you to share your own story of mental illness (whether your own, a family member or a friend), or make a donation to CMHA BC on behalf of Ride Don’t Hide.
Read more about Michael Schratter >>
“Best wishes for the launch of your dream to cycle around the world, raising awareness and acceptance of mental illness. May you have a successful journey and congratulations on stepping up to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Rick Hansen, President & CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation
“Michael, this is a beautiful project. I think that Ride Don’t Hide is the start of something very important–a social movement for mental illness. With your great heart, we will be able to come out of the shadows and talk about mental illness with the same ease we talk about high blood pressure or diabetes. With every pedal, you are pushing the stigma down. Bravo and best wishes.”
Shelagh Rogers, Broadcast Journalist
Transforming Lives Award Recipient 2008
Honourary Patron BC CMHA
