Photo: Contributed

The final countdown is on for the 7th annual Ride Don’t Hide event Sunday in Penticton.

The Canadian Mental Health Association fundraiser is taking place across Canada, aiming to lift the stigma around mental illness in a light family-friendly atmosphere.

“It’s about not hiding when you are feeling down or feeling depressed, or not well, the event is about speaking out if you need help and talking about it,” CMHC South Okanagan executive director Leah Schulting said, after a kick-off for the event last month.

The ride starts at KVR Middle School and has 12, 24 or 36 kilometres routes on the KVR trail. At the end of the ride, there will be music, a BBQ and prizes.

Organizers are hoping to have 150 participants in the ride this year and raise $25,000.

One in five Canadians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime.

People can register online in teams or as individuals.