Participants will battle the heat for a good cause as the Bright's Grove Bike for Youth Mental Health marks its sixth year.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 14, in support of Sarnia-Lambton Youth Wellness Hub.
Spokesperson Kevin Bradd said the initiative started as a way to try to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding youth mental health, particularly youth suicide.
"We try to raise awareness, raise some money so when people reach out for help the help is available, and we wanted to do it in an active format so we chose the bike ride to do that," Bradd said.
As of Monday morning, Bradd said approximately 60 people had signed up to participate, which is on par compared to previous years.
Over the past five years, Bradd said they've donated about $26,000 in total.
"We do have a benefactor who matches all our entry fees," he said.
The entry fee is $35.
"Right up until the event, people can show up with $35 cash, and we'll slot them in," Bradd said.
The ride will start from Mike Weir Park at 2 p.m. and end at Point Brewing Co.
"For safety, we break the group into smaller groups so that if a car is going along, they don't have to pass 60 people at once. It's broken into groups of about 10 or 12," he said.
Participants will be encouraged to stay hydrated during the ride as southwestern Ontario is currently under a heat warning. Environment Canada said Tuesday will mark the peak of the heat wave with a high of 37 C and humidex of 45 C.
"We do say it's a rain or shine event and I guess, the shine means it'll be a toasty day," Bradd said.
Water will be provided at the beginning and end of the ride. Other beverages and pizza will also be available for purchase afterwards.
A bus will travel back to Mike Weir Park at 5:30 p.m.
Located at the corner of Front Street and Lochiel Street in downtown Sarnia, the Youth Wellness Hub offers a safe space for those between the ages of 12 and 25 seeking mental health and addiction support.
