ELORA – The Pedal for Portage third annual fundraiser took place this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2018, the event has raised more than $180,000 to help adolescents, ages 14 to 18 years by removing speed blocks on the pathway to wellness.
This year there was one major difference in logistics, as the riders couldn’t go out as a group, but were encouraged to participate in a virtual fundraiser between Sept. 14 and 20. The new format allowed participants from across Ontario to participate and walk, run or ride on their own time, wherever they were.
There were no registration fees and no fundraising minimums, making the online event open and accessible to anyone with a desire to make a difference.
“This ride continues to bring the cycling community together year after year to support youth in Ontario,” said Ashley-Ann Maginnis, manager of development at the centre in Elora.
“This year, COVID-19 stopped the riders from cycling together, but it didn’t stop their commitment to helping youth suffering from substance abuse-related problems to overcome their dependencies and live healthy, happy, and productive lives.
“We had 26 participants challenge themselves and collectively raised more than $25,000 in peer-to-peer donations and sponsorships.”
Funds raised during Pedal for Portage support Portage Ontario’s mission to foster the strength and skills of substance-dependent persons to enable them, through comprehensive and cost-effective interventions based on the therapeutic community approach, to live lives of sobriety, filled with dignity, self-respect, and accomplishment.
“We are absolutely blown away by the amount of engagement, fundraising, and excitement generated by a fully blown virtual Pedal for Portage,” said Maginnis.
“We are living in unprecedented and difficult times, and to have this level of support shows the true compassion and generosity of the Centre Wellington community and beyond.”
Pedal for Portage is made possible largely due to the generosity of many participants, donors and sponsors, including: Alliance Roofing, Alpha Graphics and Signs, Barry Cullen, Linton Pasture Pork, Nick’s Quick Delivery, and RLB Charted Professional Accountant.
