While the main team on the National Inside Ride tour have been travelling from east to west across Canada, we had a small second team doing a short eastern swing through southern Ontario to support London, Hamilton and the Kingston events. The first of these was a sweet little event at Citi Plaza in London on Thursday September 15 supporting Childcan. This group has been supporting childhood cancer families since 1974, likely the longest serving charity in Canada for this area.

It’s always memorable to meet the families supported by the different partners we work with. They form such tight bonds and rely on each other. The families at this event were no different. A few of their children that link them all together were also there with big smiles.

As most know, we start each Inside Ride with a dedication to a child or family. Many times host organizers outside this field always ask if a child can be there, not being aware of the innumerable complications that could be involved. But really the best dedication is when the parent is there and happy to announce their child couldn’t be there because they are back at school. This was the case on Thursday, and that was one happy parent.

Marianne and Renee are the two fantastic women we have worked with not only to arrange this event on the National tour but they were also the key people behind the beautiful evening on September 16th in Toronto at HTO park where we all watched the CN tower light up in gold. They had these two events on their plates plus a number of other functions for September and upcoming in October. I want to nap just thinking of their schedules…!

Some of the most powerful individuals we meet though are the kids, whether toddlers or teens. There was the 1000-megawatt non-stop smile from a young boy giving the truest sense of warmth to your soul. There are the powerful advocacy voices like the 3 Simmons sisters, who won’t take no for an answer and continue to drive for awareness and recognition for all families like themselves. Then there were the young girls bouncing and dancing a conga line through the Kingston Inside Ride with Camp Trillium rainbow t-shirts on, between three and five years of age, they radiated exuberance, life and spirit, how it’s supposed to be for children.

During these events we also had a chance to give some of our long-time volunteers apply their talents. Sears National Kids Cancer Rider 2010 and Woodstock resident Linda Kay emceed for us in London. Talk about a voice like a bell, she projected power, clarity and fun through the event. One of our co-founders Scott Graham was super in leading the operational side. Me, I learned how not to plug in speaker cables, enough said on that topic!

When all was said and done and wrapped with a bow, we came away recharged from an intimate event with friends, families and supporters of Childcan and exuberant about what the future holds as we continue to partner together with charities like these.

They help families with today and tomorrow, this week and next. Every day families across Canada come to the realization they will not have a next year or even a next month with their child or sibling and that is why supporting family programs and resources today is so critical and deserving.

Lori

It was great to see some familiar faces – Winnipeg’s own Mr. Sub, Paediatric Pedal Pushers, the Child Life team and there merry band of puppets.

As with any event, I could tell you about the facts and figures of this event, the location and the totals , the top teams and the fantastic organization but what really strikes me about this event is that it was about connections and relstionships, creating new and cultivating existing ones .

Last year, Winnipeg was our biggest event on the demo Inside Ride tour. This is their second event and they were determined to recapture the spirit and success they enjoyed last year. To be able to partner with such a dedicated and professional group as CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and to be able to solidify that partnership with a second equally successful event hints at the beginnings of the growth of a national presence for Coast to Coast Against Cancer. Our desire as a foundation is to create community and all across the country and to be able to mutually benefit one another is a delight.

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Dr. Sara Isreals – fondly referred to as “everybody’s favourite Doc” was again this year the Top Female Fundraiser. On accepting her medal, she asked for the mic, jokingly telling us that this was the only way she could think of to get a chance to speak. Dr. Sara is woman who emanates quiet joy and passion. Her approach and way of moving through the world is one of quiet joy, and gratitude. With absolutely no pomp and a humble bearing she warmly thanked everyone in attendance. She might be viewed as the connector, for the partnership formed between Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation and Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba on the Inside Ride.

When they got up to speak, both Annitta Stenning and Lesia Sianchuck – principles at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and Children’s Hospital Manitoba Foundation respectively – expressed warm regard for one another, appreciation for collaborative efforts this year and excitement about working together toward even greater successes next year.

Two years ago, while on a bike ride in Kelowna, I got a call from a mother in Winnipeg who had heard about the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. She was so excited to hear about our events but even more excited to tell us about her courageous son Ryan, a cancer warrior. Carla Veldcamp– a strong, no bones about it, passionate woman speaks her mind and shows fierce love for her son Ryan. Carla, her hubby Albert and Ryan joined us last year in Winnipeg and counted down the start of the event. This year, she spoke to us in direct and straightforward words about the hell that cancer has put them through. She spoke of the motivation for their involvement in fundraising and events being that it brings the smile that cancer stole, back to Ryan’s face. Ryan’s Riders took home the award for best team costume, even decorating their bike with orange streamers and helium balloons. Thank you Carla your energy and drive. Ryan – I think the moment that stood out most for me was how at the end of the event your broad smile lit your face as you walked toward me arms outstretched and a thank you hug. Ryan, thank you for joy and stamina and your positivity.

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Today’s was a day with some special appearances as well –The Blue Bombers Alumni Team were heads down, helmets on while on the bike and cuttin’ the rug off the bike. Team Stoughton – Jeff and his crew, world curling champions, invited local radio personality Ace Burpee to round out their team of six to show us they can “rock” on and off the ice. It has been fantastic to have teams from our friends at Investors Group, and Hatch in many of the cities we have visited with this tour. This time it was extra special as members from those two teams tied for the top male fundraising awards – we didn’t have two medals to give away, but we sent them both away sporting NY Fries jerseys

One again this year the Child Life Team brought their puppets and spiced it up with a Pirate theme. I continued my exploits in ballroom dance with puppets, this year a foxtrot with the “Blue Puppet” – pics to come!!

And talk about a blast from the past – one of the teams – who vied strongly for the top team spirit award, were sporting Inside Ride T-shirts from the VERY FIRST Inside Ride season 5 years ago!!

Dave and Val were at one of the very first Inside Ride events at the teen conference for Camp Trillium at Rainbow Lake 5 years ago…they had been campers, questers and are now in Winnipeg studying.
All in all a successful, warm event with a FUN vibe. My thanks to Kate Gameiro (like the car, but with a “g” – Sorry Kate) and Gary Rozack for being my planning partners over the past months and thanks to your fantastic team of volunteers for making this such a smoothly executed event.

Hugs and Handshakes

Jenn

Thunder Bay Inside Ride – Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario

Before capturing the energy and enthusiasm of our participants today, I would like to take this moment to share with you an act of kindness that would sum up the generosity and good heartedness of this North Western Ontario city.

Allow me to go off track a little here and tell you about my side adventure on the eve of our Thunder Bay event. Being on the road can be quite exhausting, both mentally and physically, so prior to embarking on this great adventure, I made a conscious effort to try and run in most cities that we visit if time allowed, just one way of combating the long hours of road travel and truck stop food.

Thunder Bay has always had a special place in my heart, home of the Terry Fox Memorial; the spirit of Terry Fox continues to live on in this fine northern city. In many ways, Terry Fox paved the way for fundraising and volunteerism in this country; he put himself out there, with courage and bravery he took to the streets of our great nation.

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Feeling inspired and nourished from our visit to the memorial earlier in the day, I decided to go for an evening run to take in the sights and pump some endorphins into my body after our 11 hour journey from Sudbury. Looking into the distant horizon I noticed a daunting mountain, Mt. McKay, and decided that I would run as far up the mountain before turning back. The route I chose led me through some great bike paths and eventually onto a beautiful old wooden bridge which crossed over into the native reserve. It was roughly 15km to the base of the climb, with fading sunlight I began the 2km trek up this beast….upon arriving at the lookout I met a local native, Beverly Bannon, who had been experiencing some mechanical trouble with her bicycle. After taking in the breathtaking views from one of the best vantage points in Thunder Bay, I offered to escort Beverly down the mountain. Descending the mountain in complete darkness I began to share my story with Beverly about Coast to Coast and what our team had been doing in each community, without hesitation I was handed a $100 bill to support our event. That act of kindness and generosity fueled me for the remainder of my run and served as a platform for the following day. The feeling of connectedness had never been so clear.

Once again, our team and organizing team at Westgate Collegiate were treated to a Magic Show provided by our transport truck drivers Freddy and Cappy, these two fine gentlemen have been backing up into the most obscure locations across the country with quiet confidence and steady hands. Nicely done boys!!

The show of school spirit was evident when teams began arriving and dancing around their bikes one hour prior to our scheduled start. The recipients of today’s event were Camp Quality North Western, and today’s dedication was delivered by George Badanai who spoke so eloquently about his son. The line that seemed to stand out for our team and the crowd standing before us was “is it the kids that get cancer become special or is it special kids that get cancer”. The party really got started when Marlo Ellis from the Sierra Madre Body Sculpt Centre delivered a high energy warm up that got our hearts pumping and faces grinning J

The dancing, cheering, clapping, and smiling was confirmation enough that we had done our part, it was time to celebrate this great day, just being part of it was unique and special.
Following our award ceremonies and closing thank you statements, our team witnessed something very cool and unexpected. As we were packing up our equipment we couldn’t help notice and overhear the conversation that was taking place just outside our transport. It was the Inside Ride organizing team from Westgate, they spoke about how they could make this event bigger, inviting other schools, or hosting a large Inside Ride at the local dome. It was truly moving to see our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, planning on how they could make an impact in their communities to benefit those in need. Simply outstanding and rejuvenating!

Larry

After the hectic few days of double events and Toronto’s spectacular yet intense 3 event day, and our straight shot to Barrie the next day, we all crashed hard on Saturday night at the Petro Pass Express and awoke in our next event location: SudBRRRRRRy yikes, there was frost on the pumpkins this morning. The boyz even broke out the fur lined flap hats. Minus 3 degrees Celsius when we drove in and zero when we awoke in the morning – That’s a new record!

On arrival at the fabulous venue at City Hall – Tom Davis Square – a huge glass atrium – we were greeted by a warm and welcoming organizing crew lead by Mardi Denniston. We were awaiting printing and arrival of some of the event paperwork, so I spent a few minutes in the trailer with Kenny gathering the equipment I needed for registration.

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Now I would like to point out that over the past two weeks, the team has gelled nicely and we have all streamlined our roles and responsibilities. No one has to manage the others when it comes to event time and we all have distinct responsibilities to complete pre and during an event to make it successful. It truly is a pleasure to work with these three guys – make that 5 guys including Cappy and Fred, who have also found their groove and are great additions. BUT, I do have one complaint – when I came back inside from being in the trailer, Larry had been designated the “boss” and given a bright orange hunting vest and cap to wear to distinguish him from everyone else – Humph – how come he gets to be the boss – hey – but but but – I – that’s’ my – oh I have to wear the orange hat and vest???? Well then, okay, Larry can be the “boss”

I can’t say enough about the level of professionalism and organization of the committee here from Camp Quality Northern Ontario. What a delight to partner with folks whom you can tell have a long history of volunteering and fundraising and are passionate about the cause they are doing it for. My “Registration and Donation Ladies” – Teresa, Sonya, “Vanilla” and the go to girl Mardi had everything completely under control.

I must mention the super engaged NY Fries team lead by Mark and his staff – they put on a most fabulous spread of goodies, came in custom team t-shirts, donated gift baskets for a draw, fundraised and fought hard for the team spirit award – oh and thank you for the Peanut M&Ms, my favourite!!

Noteworthy as well is that the Team from Hatch – the Hatch Hurricanes, went home with Top Team Mileage medals!

A fun twist on our usual dedication saw Campers and companions stand at the front and tell us in one or two sentences why camps is so special and important to them and then introduce 4 teams each.
One of the teams, the Pacesetters where dedicating their ride to one members son Jonathan, who has earned his angel wings. Jonathan had never had the chance to attend Camp but his father Jean understood the importance of camp for these kids and knew his son would want to help others like him have the experience.

The event itself rocked – kids and adults dancing and cheering. This committee had completely grasped and embodied the spirit and essence of a community event –they had invited teams from local businesses, local service groups, the charities, the parents, volunteers, sponsors, people from all across their community that have a stake in caring for and supporting kids and families travelling the road that is childhood cancer.

In the end, two more records had been set: top team fundraisers, the Lipstick Chicks raised and amazing $11200.00 more than any team yet on the National Inside Ride Tour and the event total…$44254.00 for Camp Quality Northern Ontario.

I think the gauntlet has been thrown down – I have heard rumours that Edmonton has taken it up. We rolled out of Sudbury leaving them with our congratulations and having been tasked by them to let them know as soon as possible when their event date will be for next year….they want to get started early!

See ya in Thunder Bay,

Jenn

Old Friends, Families, a Kid Centric event and a Hospital trip

Barrie, a straight shot north on a sleepy morning to greet old friends and new in an event for Candlelighters Simcoe. If the National Inside Ride is about kids this event was the most Kid centric we have had yet.

Kudos to The organizing committee lead passionately by Cheryl Gotthelf mother to Warrior Kristin and uber volunteer – her commitment profoundly evident in many late night and early morning details making sure the event was smoothly organized despite the fact that on event day she would not be present. Thank you Cheryl.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, Cheryl and her hubby had a previously planned get away to be on this weekend and were not going to be at the event. We always say, at Coast to Coast that it is our volunteers that allow us to be so successful – today was no exception. The amazing preparation that Cheryl and her team did was passed over to super capable hand of a brilliant Barrie teen, one Kealey Clarke.

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Kealey, a long-time friend of the Foundation, has volunteered at Tour for Kids Ontario and has been instrumental in bringing the Inside Ride to numerous high schools in Barrie. She “runs the show” with pep and bounce, and an efficiency beyond her years. It was delightful to see the adults at the even defer to her experience and expertise at this event

Today being the third day of double events on the Tour, we sent Larry to Kingston to work with Lori, Jeff and Keith for Ken Cross’s fabulous outdoor event. As a result Kenny was “voluntold” as emcee for today’s Barrie event – and he rocked the house …”arghhh Pirates” Thanks Kenny for stepping up, stepping out, and rockin it! – (too bad you missed tear down – all is good folks but our dear Kenny, post show made a 4 hour stop over at RVH, the Barrie hospital – an infected cut on his hand had finally got the best of him – or perhaps he was just looking for a rest after the laps he did dancing and cheering as emcee – all is good, thanks Tracey Clarke for helping get Kenny seen at emergency a bit faster)

The event started with our second Mayoral proclamation given my Mayor Lehman and greetings brought by MP Patrick Brown but what really stood out at this event was the engagement of the kids – this was an event all about family and kids.

- Kealey’s parents Tracey and Dave are always present supporting their awesome daughter and her work.
- Adam Mason, an adult survivor and young man who is regularly behind the scenes, showing up unannounced to quietly lend a hand was there of course – what was a surprise, and one that touched me deeply, was that on reading my pre event notes, I discovered that this man, of meagre means had decided to donate the water for the event. No recognition requested, no pomp or circumstance, just doing what he believes in for a cause that he is passionate about.

- We had both a team of Survivors team and a “Super Sibs” team
- All of the teams had youngsters stretching to reach the pedals but still pedalling furiously. Some had even brought their own bikes, one little guy, his rear tire suspended mid- air and his front propped up on 4 risers, spun it out for the ENTIRE HOUR beside his team, not even stopping when the music stopped between rounds
- I think we were all moved from the beginning by the courage of one Karyssa Enick a young survivor who, without a tremble in her voice stood before us and opened the event with her rendition of the Miley Cyrus song “The Climb” – she used to sing it to herself when she was very sick and it became the anthem for the day.

At the end of the event we had one ecstatic team from Candlelighters Barrie, a group of families feeling the joy of coming together to support one another and raising almost $20,000.00 . Congratulations!

We are proud of you,

Jenn and my amazing team mates, Kenny, Joel and Larry