Victoria Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raises more than $19,000 for men’s health

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The Victoria chapter of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has raised more than $19,000 for men’s health initiatives.

The annual event started 10 years ago in Australia to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

“As men, we don’t talk about that kind of stuff. We just kind of push it all down and (say) everything is fine, until it’s not,” Ken Miner, co-organizer of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, said.

Globally there are approximately 60,000 riders riding in 700 cities in 100 countries.

In Victoria, 113 riders suited up to drive from Langford to the Waddling Dog Pub.

According to Health Canada, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The Canadian Mental Health Association statistics state one in five people in Canada will experience mental health struggles.

This event gives participants a chance to open up and talk about what they are going through.

Jonathan Blais, co-host of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, said he’s participated for the last three years, adding he’s found it’s helped him cope with his own mental health struggles.

“It shows that you’re not alone in what you are going through,” Blais said. “Men are not really talking about these issues until it spreads around and this is a great event for that to happen.”

He added the main message of the event is that it’s okay to not be okay. Blais said everyone needs to remember to talk to their friends and to speak up when they’re not feeling well.

Since 2012, more than $45 million has been raised globally through this ride.

Mackenzie ReadMackenzie Read

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