TORONTO, April 29, 2013 /CNW/ - On Sunday May 26th, over 1,500 motorcycle enthusiasts will come together to raise funds for Distress Centres, Canada's oldest crisis line. Distress Centers is the first organization in Canada to develop a 24-hour crisis response and suicide prevention helpline. Our singular mission and mandate is to create an emotional safety net for the vulnerable and at-risk in our community.
Every year, the organization hosts a unique, award-winning, one-day motorcycle fundraising event - B.A.D Ride (Bikers Against Despair) and offers the community a chance to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable citizens in the City of Toronto.
"There's a lot of 'life' in a motorcycle" says Karen Letofsky, ED of Distress Centres. "The B.A.D. Ride, our largest community outreach event, is designed by bikers, for bikers, and with the commitment that 100% of the proceeds raised by participants are used to support Distress Centres' life-sustaining programs".
This year the event marks the 16th Anniversary of the Ride and will take place on May 26th. As in previous years, we are expecting approximately 1,000 motorcycles and more than 1,500 riders and their passengers to traverse a three-hour scenic ride east across the Ontario countryside to the Markham Fair Grounds; where celebrities and supporters will come together to enjoy the day and to recognize the work of this pioneering agency.
Events include:
Since its founding in 1967, Distress Centres is dedicated to providing 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention support to the City of Toronto. Last year, our trained volunteers received over 120,000 calls; 60% of calls came through after-hours, when most agencies are closed. In addition, with our partners Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Bell, Distress Centres launched Crisis Link - the world's first suicide prevention program in the subway system.
100% of funds raised in the B.A.D Ride will be used towards the operations of life-sustaining programs. The event is the agency's largest annual community outreach event, creating both significant awareness and providing a financial lifeline.
Be our lifeline….. so we can be a lifeline for others!
Image with caption: "Karen Letofsky, ED of Distress Centres pictured with The Bad Ride grand prize (CNW Group/Distress Centres)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130429_C9513_PHOTO_EN_26107.jpg
SOURCE: Distress Centres
For further information:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Letofsky, Executive Director
Distress Centres
Tel: (416) 598-0168
E-mail: [email protected]
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