It was a soggy and cool morning, but that was not a problem for the volunteers and riders in the 7th Annual Ride Don't Hide event in Coldstream.

There were more than 100 riders and walkers moving to raise funds and awareness for mental health, and they came together to bring the issue out of the shadows.

Teen tackles mental health

Vernon Canadian Mental Health executive director Julia Payson praised her staff, the volunteers and the participants before the ride, telling them, "We have to believe in each other and to care about each other."

Before the riders and walkers took to the streets of Coldstream, this year's goal of $60,000 in sight.

The movement started in 2010 when Michael Schratter began a world-wide 40,000-km cycling journey to combat mental health stigma. That journey grew into the Ride Don't Hide movement that brings thousands of people together for the cause.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds in B.C., after motor vehicle accidents.

Funds raised will help support youth programs and suicide prevention initiatives.

— With files from Wayne Emde and Darren Handschuh

Photo: Wayne Emde