Warm weather means motorcycle season, the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise while raising money for those less fortunate.
That’s why Ontario REALTORS® are polishing their bikes and gearing up to take advantage of riding season. The Motorcycle Ride for Charity, organized by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, will be taking place on Wednesday, July 8 to raise money for homeless shelters and charities across the province.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ride. The 2015 journey begins at the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) office in Toronto and continues to Ottawa. Stops along the way include Peterborough, Brockville and Smiths Falls. Since its inception, the ride has raised $247,000 for shelters and charities in Ontario.
“The motorcycle ride supports so many good causes and it’s a great example of the support REALTORS® bring to their communities,” says Dreena Gilpin of Sudbury, president of the foundation. “Many towns and cities see the motorcycle riders coming through their communities, which really sends a message about how much we care about the places in which we live. People really understand that we are giving back to our communities.”
The funds raised go back into communities across Ontario, says Gilpin. “That’s why we encourage real estate brokers and salespeople from across the province to play a role by sponsoring a rider or taking part in the ride. The difference they make can be seen all around us.”
The ride has taken place every summer since 2006, with increasing amounts pledged each year. This year’s goal is $25,000. Last year, the foundation gave out more than $900,000 in grants to charities across the province.
Some recipient charities are: Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations across Ontario, Collingwood Crisis Centre, YWCA Sudbury, Covenant House Toronto, Couchiching Jubilee House, Domestic Abuse Services Oxford, Community Living Mississauga, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa and the Regional Hospice of Quinte. For more details, see the “Grants” page of the foundation’s website.
To join the ride or sponsor a rider, visit the foundation website at www.realtorscareontario.ca and click on “2015 Motorcycle Ride for Charity.”
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