Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk gets ready to roll in support of Canadian mental health

Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk gets ready to roll in support of Canadian mental health


-- Six-time Olympian Clara Hughes will ride her bike 12,000 km
around Canada, bringing the mental health conversation to
communities in every province and territory
-- Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk begins March 14 in Toronto
and concludes July 1 as part of Canada Day celebrations on
Parliament Hill in Ottawa



MONTRÉAL, March 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced the
countdown to the start of Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk on March
14. In 10 days, Clara will set out on her epic journey around Canada in
support of mental health from Maple Leaf Square in Toronto, ultimately
riding 12,000 kilometres through every province and territory before
concluding her ride on Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.



"After months of preparation and anticipation, I can't wait to get on my
bike and meet Canadians everywhere to talk about mental health.
Together, we can achieve a stigma-free Canada," said Clara. "Mental
illness is part of everyone's life in some way, and talking openly
about it tells those who struggle that they shouldn't fear seeking
help. Beating the stigma is the biggest step we can take in moving
Canada's mental health forward. So I'm eager to share my mental health
story with you, and hope to hear yours."



Over 110 days, Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk will visit 95
communities in all territories and provinces, concluding in Ottawa on
July 1 as part of the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill. Clara
will be welcomed by The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian
Heritage and Official Languages, and the honourary Community Champion
for Ottawa.



"On Canada Day, all roads lead to Parliament Hill as Canadians across
the country gather together to celebrate," said Minister Glover. "Clara
Hughes will have traveled many Canadian roads during her 110-day ride
in support of mental health. On July 1, we will not only celebrate the
end of Clara's Big Ride, but also the lasting impact her journey will
have on mental health for all Canadians."



The kick-off event in Toronto on March 14 and the Canada Day
celebrations in Ottawa are just two of the more than 200 events that
are already planned in communities across the country by schools, youth
organizations and community groups. Every Canadian can participate in
Clara's Big Ride by attending an event or by sharing the journey
online.



For more information about joining the conversation on social media
using #ClarasBigRide, attending a community event, supporting your
local mental health organization or helping raise funds, visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide.



"Clara's Big Ride will highlight the incredible work that is being done
by mental health organizations at the grassroots level in every part of
Canada," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "Together we are
making significant progress in the fight to break the stigma of mental
illness. We encourage Canadians to keep the momentum going by joining
Clara in the conversation."



Canadians can also show their support by proudly wearing the
limited-edition official jersey of Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's
Talk. The cycling jersey and technical t-shirt can be purchased online
at Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide. $15 from the sale of each item will be donated to Kids Help Phone, the national service offering free, anonymous and confidential phone
and online professional counseling for young people across Canada.


National Partners

Clara's Big Ride is powered by the support of our National Partners -
Aimia, BMO, Canadian Tire, Cisco, Lundbeck, President's Choice and
Samsung - who are providing significant support for the Ride. For more
information on our National Partners, please visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide/Partners.


About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and
business customers with wireless, TV, Internet, home phone and business
communications services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia
company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media.
Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more
information, please visit Bell.ca.


SOURCE Bell Canada

Bell Canada

CONTACT: Media inquiries: Jacqueline Michelis
(613) 785-1427
jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca
@Bell_News


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