Canada’s biggest bike ride for mental health got into gear in Winnipeg, Sunday.

Around 7,100 cyclists took part in Ride Don’t Hide, a bike ride to end the stigma around mental health.

For Crystal Bornais, the top fundraiser at Sunday’s event, mental health hits close to home.

“My husband lives with depression and we’ve been through a really long haul the last three years,” she said.

Bornais said raising $2,500 was a team effort and the duo started a few months in advance. She said this event is important in being able to have an open conversation with people about mental health issues.

“We need to spread the word people need to get educated, know what it’s about, feel free to talk about it and we need to get better resources out there for people who are struggling,” said Bornais.

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s fifth annual Ride Don’t Hide event took place in 29 communities across the country.

Winnipeg’s event started at FortWhyte Alive and included 6 kilometre beginner ride that is family friendly.

A 20 km intermediate ride, as well as a 57.5 km “Gravel Grinder” route was also part of the event.

Bornais said it’s important to get the conversations going now, to pave the path for younger generations.

“We have two young children who are three and six and I want them to grow in a world where they can talk about their mental health, they can get help when they need it and that they don’t have to suffer from the same stigma if they should have challenges in the future.”

Donations can be made online.