A big event is coming up this weekend in Tillsonburg
The sixth annual Ride for Suicide Awareness returns this Saturday, with organizers hoping to raise awareness about mental health while supporting local veterans through the Tillsonburg Legion Poppy Fund.
The event begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, departing from Sobeys in Tillsonburg. Riders will travel an 80-kilometre route through Oxford, Norfolk and Brant counties before returning to the starting point.
The event was founded in New Brunswick following a family tragedy. After Caroline Lucas' brother, Jon, died on February 4, 2020, her aunt Maria launched the Ride 4 Suicide Awareness to raise awareness and support suicide prevention initiatives.
This will be the second Ride 4 Suicide Awareness event Lucas has organized in Ontario. Last year's ride was held in Woodstock.
Lucas said she also hopes the event continues to raise awareness about mental health and the support services available, like the Legion Poppy Fund.
Registration will be available on the day of the ride, while pre-registration is also open online at r4sa.ca. Riders pay $20 per motorcycle, while passengers ride free. Organizers will also be selling shirts, bandanas, bracelets and key tags to help raise additional funds.
Lucas said pre-registration is already ahead of last year, and she is hoping for an even bigger turnout.
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with registration and encourage anyone interested in supporting mental health awareness to come out, even if they do not ride a motorcycle.
