Communities across the Okanagan came together to raise money for the annual 'Ride Don't Hide' cycling event on Sunday.

Presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association thousands of Canadians from Newfoundland and Labrador to B.C. jumped on their bikes to end the stigma of mental illness.

"We help raise money for mental health services and programs in our community," says Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon. "It was started by [Vernon native], Michael Schratter and he decided a number of years back that he was going to ride around the world and raise money for mental health awareness."

"Even more than that was to break stigma about mental health illness and say, 'You know what, we don't have to hide anymore.'"

Since its inception, Ride Don’t Hide Vernon has raised over $133,034 with 2017 being a record year, raising over $58,550.

"Lets speak out, lets be honest about who we are and lets support each other in the community," Payson said. "Mental health is just as important as physical health." 

Funds raised stay within each community.

Between Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton hundreds of thousands have been raised for the CMHA.