Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk in the final stretch: Clara Hughes in Northern Ontario on her way to Ottawa and Canada Day celebrations on July 1

Setting out from Wawa this morning, Clara rides to Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, Sudbury, North Bay, Deep River and Arnprior - concluding her Big Ride on Parliament Hill a week from today

WAWA, ON, June 24, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - With just one week to go before her arrival in Ottawa on July 1, Canadian Olympian Clara Hughes continues her Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk in communities across Northern Ontario.

Today, on Day 103 of the 110-day Big Ride, Clara heads from Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie. Focused on building a Canada free of the stigma around mental illness, Clara began the Big Ride on March 14 in Toronto and has since covered more than 10,000 kilometres visiting communities large and small in all 10 provinces and all 3 territories.

"I would like to thank the great people of Wawa for sharing their mental health stories so openly and making me feel so welcome. I'm looking forward to visiting the Sault later today and other communities in Northern Ontario this week as we continue to grow the mental health conversation," said Clara. "I can't believe we're in the final stretch of the Big Ride, on our way to the nation's capital. What better day and better way to wrap up the Ride and our message of a stigma-free country than on Canada Day in Ottawa? I hope you can be there to join the celebrations!"

Clara will visit the following communities during the final week of the Big Ride:

Sault Ste. Marie - June 24 to 26
Today, Clara attends a family fun event in the Sault taking place from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Roberta Bondar Place Tent Pavilion, 65 Foster Drive.

Blind River - June 26 to 27
On June 26, Clara will attend "Blind River Welcomes Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk" taking place from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Blind River Community Centre, 110 Indiana Avenue.

Sudbury - June 27 to 28
On June 27, Clara will attend "Clara's Big Ride and Indian Dinner Fundraiser" taking place from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Steelworkers Hall, 66 Brady Street.

North Bay - June 28 to 29
On June 28 at 3:15pm, Clara will attend a welcome event at Parker's Your Independent Grocer, 1 Laurentian Avenue. In the evening, Clara will attend "The North Bay Championship Weekend Fundraiser Dinner," which starts at 6 pm at Canadore College, Airport Hangar, 100 College Drive.

Deep River - June 29 to 30
On June 29 at 6:30 pm, Clara will attend a welcome event at the park at Brockhouse Way and Staff House Road.

Arnprior - June 30 to July 1
On June 30, Clara will attend "Clara's Big Ride BBQ and Movie" taking place from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Robert Simpson Park, 400 John Street N.

Ottawa - July 1
Clara will ride into Ottawa on July 1 and will be part of Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.

Clara's Big Ride includes presentations at schools and other community events organized by local Community Champions. More details on daily events and the Big Ride Community Champions can be found at Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide.

"The Bell Let's Talk Community Champions in Ontario and across the country have been key to the success of Clara's Big Ride and our objective to make all our communities stigma free," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "With the support of these great local leaders, Clara's Big Ride is increasing awareness, acceptance and action at the grassroots level right across Canada."

Share in Clara's Big Ride
Everyone can participate in the Big Ride through community events and social media. Please visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide or follow the latest Ride news on Twitter at @Bell_LetsTalk or on Facebook at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk.

Clara's Big Ride is powered by our National Partners - Aimia, BMO, Canadian Tire, Cisco, Lundbeck, President's Choice and Samsung - who are providing significant support for the Ride. For more information, please visit Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide/Partners.

Bell Let's Talk
Bell Let's Talk promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, like Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk and Bell Let's Talk Day, and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

SOURCE: Bell Canada