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Doug, Brenda and our entire family's tribute to Kate Harris
In support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Thames Valley (our local London Ontario chapter) and with the help of some very special people from London Ontario's "London International Airport". we are excited to announce:
For the Love of Kate I Ride presents “Ride the Runway & Car Show for Mental Health!!"
Saturday, May 31st from 10 AM to 2 PM – NW corner of London International Airport, London, Ontario. Set your GPS to 2537 Huron St, London, ON N5V 5J1 (The end of Huron Street where the runways begin)!
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT
Ride the Runway will be a family day at the London International Airport! We will have the opportunity to ride, walk, run, hop, skip, or jump on an airport runway! Also watch for some cool cars as we join together for a positive mental health initiative and fundraiser!
It’s simple !
Simply pre-register with the Canadian Mental Mental Health Association at the link that will follow!
Individual Tickets - $10.00
Family Pass - $25.00
Classic car entry - $20.00
"All funds go directly to support the mental health services provided by CMHA Thames Valley!"
With your registration, you will have the opportunity to enter our designated area of the London International Airport and participate in walking / riding laps on a runway at your personal comfort level. We also encourage you to invite others to contribute online as they are able, or to join us in person for what we hope to be an amazing and memorable experience!
Want to attend but just to check out the cars or any other cool stuff? Or perhaps to cheer on runway participants? YES YES YES !!! Love to have you!!! Please just buy a ticket (in support of CMHA) and we will see you on the runway May 31st!
Own a “classic car”? In support of CHMA Thames Valley, please join us for a static car show at the airport!!! (Sorry, vehicles not eligible to ride the runway but welcome to bring your bikes, pogo sticks, or running shoes!).
If possible, please register in advance and we will look for you on May 31st Entry into the designated car show area will begin at 8:30 AM with hopefully all participating vehicles in place before the general opening of 10 AM. Entry fee per vehicle and it's occupants is $20.00.
Prefer not to pre-register?
While we would rather you pre-registered so we have an idea of the number of attendees, no problem if you would prefer to "pay at the gate!" Cash upon entry is welcome for Classic Vehicle entry and Ride the Runway participants / spectators!
Can't make it in person or want to go the extra mile for a great cause? Click here for the link!!
"Together, we can reduce the stigma and raise awareness, while supporting mental health initiatives in our community! "
Funds raised will be donated to CMHA Thames Valley.
Is your company or organization interested in sponsoring our event? Just follow the link for information!
If anyone has a story they wish to share, or the memory of a loved one they would like to honour, please send us an email or share your story on our Facebook page!
Thanks to everyone for your interest and support!
Doug & Brenda Harris
Check out the following additional links:
Facebook:
Please join our Facebook group. All are welcome! This is the best place to be for regular updates and to view posts from our friends.
X (Twitter):
Doug Doesn't tweet but Brenda is a "Twiterer" and will update from time to time.
London International Airport
This event would not be possible without the amazing folks from the airport!
Photo Gallery
Our Story
Welcome!!
My name is Doug Harris and like so many others, tragically, my 32-year-old daughter Kate died by suicide in late August of 2016. Kate was a wonderful and caring daughter, friend, sister and aunt who should
have had so much living yet to do.
As her Dad, I was blind to her struggles with mental health. She would occasionally touch on it,
My name is Doug Harris and like so many others, tragically, my 32-year-old daughter Kate died by suicide in late August of 2016. Kate was a wonderful and caring daughter, friend, sister and aunt who should
have had so much living yet to do.
As her Dad, I was blind to her struggles with mental health. She would occasionally touch on it, but I had no idea what was lurking just below the surface. Admittedly, even if she had shared more with me, I'm not so sure I would have recognized the full extent of her pain. Outwardly, she was just too strong, happy and generous for me to understand her struggle.
I knew from the start that Kate's story could not end with her death. She was a special lady, and her death had to mean something! My hope is that by sharing Kate's story, others will live and prosper. That people suffering will reach out and ask for help, that those recipients entrusted with receiving such an ask will be understanding and help steer the person in an appropriate direction, that employers will be compassionate and non-judgmental and that health care providers will have the tools and talent to ensure a positive outcome.
In honour of Kate, with the support of my wonderful wife Brenda and our dog Lily, in 2019 I bicycled over 2,200 kms from London, Ontario (Kate's birthplace) to Halifax, NS (where Kate lived and died). Through this initiative, and with the help of many wonderful people, our family was proud to have raised over $25,000 in support of London Ontario's St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation - an amazing group of people we have been very proud to support!
https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/foundation
For more information on my ride, please check out my blogs - which were updated daily as I rode across Eastern Canada.
The time has now come for a new initiative. With the help of our friends at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Thames Valley (our local London Ontario chapter), and some very special people from London Ontario's "London International Airport", it is time to "Ride the Runway!!!"