I am back as a rider for my 11th year (plus one year as crew). Since moving to Ottawa almost four years ago, I have kept up my long bike rides. I love cycling and what can beat six long distance cycling days in a row! I also love my Bike Rally friends and I look forward to seeing them on the ride.
For me, the best part of the Bike Rally is doing good with good people. It's our little piece of healing the world. There are so many ways you can do this and I love knowing about yours. My ride supports AIDS service organizations that help people who need help.
This ride began with the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. It has expanded to support AIDS service organizations in Kingston and Montreal. This year, Ottawa-based riders have been invited to support local Ottawa AIDS service organizations. I will be supporting Bruce House. Bruce House provides housing support for people with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa. Donations towards my ride will be split between Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (as the founders and organizers of the ride) and Bruce House. There are now 10 Bike Rally riders in the Ottawa area and I look forward to the expansion of our support here in our local community.
We expect 250 riders - or more! In addition, the ride includes a road support and safety crew, food team, medical support, bicycle mechanics - a moving village on the road doing our part healing our world. Our ride helps people who need help. That means support groups, counseling, financial support with housing, groceries and meals, and much more.
Each rider qualifies to ride by raising a minimum donation amount (First-Year Riders $1950; Returning Riders $3000). Many of us set a higher goal so we can do more to help. My goal is $6000.
Thank you for your support. Your donation helps us to help.
Gary
Making a secure online donation using your credit card is easiest!
If you prefer to send a cheque, make it payable to:
Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
Subject line: Bike Rally - Gary van der Meer
Mail cheques to: Toronto PWA Foundation163 Queen Street East, 2nd Floor, Toronto ON M5A 1S1