Meritorious Service Cross

• Awarded on: June 25, 2014
• Invested on: June 30, 2014

Since January 2011, Clara Hughes has worked tirelessly to help raise national awareness in support of mental health initiatives. In March 2014, the six-time summer and winter Olympic medallist and national spokesperson for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign embarked on an epic cycling journey across Canada. Over the course of 110 days, Clara’s Big Ride travelled through 95 communities in every Canadian province and territory to promote mental health and to encourage Canadians to end the stigma attached to mental illness. Along the way, Ms. Hughes took part in over 260 public events and went to more than 80 schools and youth events where she delivered a resounding message to break down the barriers surrounding mental health. She is to be commended for her accomplishments, which have greatly contributed to changing social perceptions of mental health issues across Canada.