MCC Pedaling for Hope Cyclathon

Saturday, September 19, 2015 – 8:30am

Thank you for considering participation in the seventh annual ‘Pedaling for Hope’ cyclathon on Saturday, September 19. The bicycle ride is one channel to raise funds in support of MCC food programs around the world. The money raised by the riders this year will support a food assistance project  (Link to story and photos) for refugees from Syria in Lebanon. The project’s aim is to provide assistance to meet the immediate food needs of 5800 individuals displaced by civil war. 

Now for a little motivational math to animate your fundraising efforts:  $1 donated becomes $15 for programming.  How does this add up?

We have been given a challenge to achieve something amazing by this cyclathon. A group of friends of MCC has generously offered to match 2:1, up to $50,000 raised by the riders. In simple words, an additional $100,000.  This could mean that over $150,000 will be forwarded to the MCC account at Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). Next, the funds directed to MCC’s account will be matched 4:1 through a Canadian government grant provided to the CFGB (for more information on the MCC–CFGB–government of Canada agreement, click here).

The math from these two multiplying effects is incredible – a truly amazing return on your investment of sharing. In the end, the total amount could be over $750,000, enough to fund the project for six months. This will provide food vouchers to feed 5800 people and nutritional training to prevent illnesses and ensure healthy growth in children.

If the above isn’t enough to inspire interest, here is an additional incentive to spark your fundraising efforts: for every rider that brings in $1000 or more, your name will be entered to win a unique dining experience for seven at the Cactus Club Cafe in Abbotsford.

THE RIDE:  Two routes have been chosen in order to appeal to a wide variety of people’s skill level – a 20 km flat loop in the country around the Abbotsford airport, and a 50km ‘rolling’ figure-8 circuit heading north toward the Fraser River and returning to the Tradex – view routes from the links above or maps will be available on the day of the ride.  Both routes will begin and end in front of the Tradex Building.

Plan to arrive by 8:30 in order to check-in and submit collected donations. There will be a brief orientation to the routes and support vehicles. The 50 km riders will depart at 9:00 and the 20 km riders at 9:45.  Helmets are mandatory, and water bottles are strongly suggested. There will be one water station on the 50 km route.  As the routes are on public roads, all traffic rules must be observed.

PLEDGE SHEET: Although there is no registration fee, a donation of $50 per rider ($100 per family) is suggested. As this is a fundraising event, we ask that each cyclist attempt to raise additional funds. Print off the form (which can be found here) and use it to record the requested information for each donor. Be sure to print clearly and remember to include your name and phone number. All donations of $10 or more will be receipted for a charitable donation. 

If a person opts to use a credit card, they will need to call the MCC office to provide the information – 604.850.6639 or 1.888.622.6337

There is also an option to donate online by clicking here. The donor will need to include your (the rider’s) name in this process. The steps are provided on the site.

On the day of the ride, bring the completed pledge form and all the monies you have collected in an envelope.  Submit this at the check-in table, which will be located to the west of the main entrance, close to the inflatable arch. Identify yourself and submit your collected donations. If needed, maps of the routes and contact phone numbers will be available there.

If you have any questions and/or to register your participation, simply send an email to [email protected].

http://mcccanada.ca/get-involved/events/pedaling-hope-cyclathon