Thursday, May 20, 2010

All Aboard the Big Bike

I admit with no shame (okay… maybe a just a little) that until this year, I had never been a rider on the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike. Perhaps the fact that someone close to me works at the Owen Sound office made it easier to say ‘yes’ when a team registration form crossed my desk. But we won’t mention my wife by name.

Kidding aside, I have become well informed over the past several months as to the many critically important fundraising initiatives that HSFO coordinates here in our local communities. Big Bike is a biggie and the opportunity to play ‘captain’ on the suitably named Meaford team, The Big Red Apple, was one that I simply couldn’t pass up! Meaford Chamber and Municipal staff along with Mayor Francis Richardson came dressed for the occasion and ready to pedal the streets of the Golden Town.

A Big Bike team is supposed to consist of 29 members, each responsible for raising a minimum of $50 in pledges. Despite only 9 of us showing up, the ride around Meaford Harbour and through the downtown was a surprisingly manageable workout. Our animated driver kept up our enthusiasm by letting us know when we were slacking off and occasionally leading us up to the curb just to keep things interesting. The amused stares, smiles and car honks of acknowledgement made it well worth every dollar pledged. Speaking of which, I’m proud to report that our little team brought in an impressive $700 in pledges. How about them big red apples!

The legwork is minimal and the fun is aplenty. This is my endorsement for a fundraising initiative that eats up little time and rewards tenfold. Check out http://www.bigbike.ca/ for more info.

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