July 09, 2013 (Vancouver, BC) — From May 12 to August 29, 2013, Ginny and Kerry Dennehy will cycle 8,000km across Canada to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Established to end the stigma associated with mental illness, and a lack of care for sufferers, the ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ride aims to raise $1 million, as part of the $6.7 million needed to create a Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre in every province and territory in Canada.

“This ride is deeply important to us, as charity fundraisers and as parents,” said Ginny Dennehy, founder of The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation. “Since we lost our son Kelty to depression-related suicide in 2001, we have worked to ensure that young people – and families – do not have to endure the same trauma. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH is the next step in this process: to help provide resources, awareness, and care needed by all sufferers of mental illness, regardless of age or location.”

The ride is one of many initiatives launched through The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, established following the loss of the Dennehy’s 17-year-old-son. Since then, they have raised more than $5 million to combat mental illness, helping to finance projects such as Lions Gate Hospital and building a Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BC Children’s Hospital. This is their first national fundraising campaign.

Beginning on Mother’s Day, the Dennehys will ride from Whistler, British Columbia, to Cape Spear, Newfoundland, returning to the West Coast in mid-August. Along the way, they will host fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and talks, to share their message that reducing the stigma of mental illness and providing further resources to sufferers can save lives.

Such a message becomes more essential each day. Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death for Canadian youth – the third highest rate in the industrialized world. Depression is forecast to be the second leading cause of disability by 2020. Although up to 70 percent of mental health problems begin during childhood, less than a quarter of those affected have access to the services they need. The result is the continuation of an emotionally and financially 2 debilitating disease that affects individuals, families, work forces, and communities.

All money raised during the ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Ride will remain within the province it was received in. By working with health workers, mental health organizations, and community partners, The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation will distribute funds that increase the quality of education, care, and resources available in Canada.

About The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation www.thekeltyfoundation.org In 2001 Kerry and Ginny Dennehy lost their 17-year-old son, Kelty to suicide. Tragedy hit the family again in 2009 when their 23-year-old daughter Riley, who struggled with the loss of her brother for years, passed away suddenly while travelling in Asia. Determined to help others after the loss of their two children, Ginny and Kerry along with the Foundation’s board of directors continue the long journey of changing how Canada perceives the disease of depression by funding and creating much-needed projects across the country. The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation is on the front line fighting to prevent depression-related suicide in young people. Reducing stigma, increasing awareness and saving young lives, the Kelty Foundation is a pillar of strength in Canada’s fight against mental illness.

Enough is Enough ride schedule here