The First Cause Ride is in support of you, yours and your community. This ride is your call to Action. You can help those First Responders who dedicate their lives to your service in times of emergency.

86.9% of First Responders have post-traumatic stress reactions to events witnesses at work, and they are twice as likely to develop PTSD as a result. How can First Responders do their best to protect your family if they are struggling with mental health challenges?

In the past 5 years, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health issues among our First Responders have been increasing at an alarming rate.

This is not acceptable, and this ride will help do something about it!

The goal is to raise $100,000 to fund a PTSD and mental health program that will support all of BC's First Responders, via Vancouver General Hospital (More details at bottom of page).

First Cause Ride is organized by Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society and Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society. In support are many Police, Law Enforcement, Firefighter, and Nurses' Unions throughout BC.

Now you are needed. Please join us in support of those who dedicate their lives to our communities and us. YOU are invited to Ride!

Ride Details - Public and First Responders are Welcome

The First Cause for First Responders Ride for PTSD and Mental Health is a scenic and inspiring 150km** ride beginning at Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver, travelling through the communities of Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Langley and finishing at the Central City Shopping Centre’s Plaza in Surrey.

This is a non-competitive group ride. Cyclists of many abilities are encouraged to participate. Rules of the Road shall be followed.

Date: August 20th, 2016

Registration Time: 7:00 AM

Ride Kickoff: 9:00 AM

Start location: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver

Finish location: Central City Shopping Centre, Surrey

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/4058129

Rest/Aid Stations: approx every 30km

Cyclist Categories (Road Bike or Hybrid Bike required):

• Rookie Ride – 32km. Jack Poole Plaza to Coquitlam's Burke Mnt. Fire Hall! A challenge for a new or novice rider with all the excitement!

• Summit Challenge – 83km. Set out from Jack Poole Plaza and push yourself to make the course summit just past Stave Lake, them spin it out as you desend to Mission's Fire Hall!

• Elite Ride 140km. You think you have what it takes?! Our cause is no joke and neither is this ride! Dig in and find out what you are made of! This ride rolls out from Jack Poole Plaza and pushes through the course in its entirety, bringing you to the finish line at Surrey's City Centre where the wrap party will take place!

• note that all ride types are subject to same registration fee and fundraising needs. Ride type will be selected after Eventbrite registration.

Wrap Party and Festivities :To happen at Central City Plaza in Surrey. Hosted by Surrey Fire Fighters and other First Responders, awards will be handed out to top fundraising riders. Llive entertainment, and a chance to meet and greet your First Responders!

Training: We will have a number of training tools and a social community group as well as regular training rides with other crews from various departments, halls and organizations as well as some of the best cyclists in the lower mainland.

Fundraising:  We are asking each rider to raise a minimum of $500 in online fundraising to be able to participate in the ride. We provide the online platform! We will have tons of creative assets and provide you with personal assistance to ensure that you are successful in your fundraising campaign.

Once you register, you will be sent a link to your fundraising page where you can build it out and begin crushing your goal!

100% of donations are tax deductible, and 100% of proceeds will support First Responder PTSD and Mental Health!

Do YOU want to Ride?? If so, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

The First Cause Details - Where do donations go, and why?

In concert with Vancouver Coastal Health and Kelty Online Services, we are working with professionals at VGH to create an early recognition and treatment program that is tailor-made and widely available onlince to all BC First Responders and their families.

Online-yet personal, the service will be available to promote early and late diagnoses, leading to treatment of occupational stress injuries, including PTSD. With an internet connection, any BC First Responder will be able to receive help, no matter where in BC they live.

If you are among the many who want to stand with First Responders and their families to combat the suffering from PTSD, mental illness and Occupational Stress Injuries, please donate, volunteer or ride with us on August 20 th . Now, you can help the people who help you and yours.

Some Fine Print:

*Riders must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and 18 years of age or older on the the day of the event. Distance and route subject to change. Registrations are non-refundable. All donations are issued a Charitable Donation Tax Receipt, and are tax-deductible.First Cause for First Responders Ride for PTSD and Mental Health is produced in partnership between Vancouver FireFighter Charities and Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society, with support from many other First Responder Agencies and Unions.

Visit our website for more details firstcauseride.ca or contact us at info@firstcause.ca.

**All donations are routed to Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society (VFCS). BN 867412132 RR0001, in agreement with the First Response Agency partners listed at www.firstcauseride.ca. 100% of proceeds to support BC First Responder Mental Health and PTSD Treatment.