Jake Neely is on a mission to support people living with HIV/AIDS.
On July 21, the Fergus resident rode a stationary bike outside O’Briens Tap House, downtown here for eight hours, to raise money and awareness for a bigger adventure yet to come.
On July 29, Neely will join over 300 other riders on a six-day, 600km cycling trip from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds for Friends For Life Bike Rally. Last year, the rally raised over $1 million.
Prior to the downtown event, Neely said,
“We’ll have a good time. Riding a stationary bike doesn’t create any breeze, so I hope people will bring water guns to cool me down.”
Throughout the day, he got his wish. There were plenty of water guns from friends and supporters, but more so, there were generous supporters who dropped off cash donations to the Toronto People With Aids Foundation (PWA).
“Jake raised $2,775 that day,” said Bert Simpson, event organizer. “His grand total raised so far is $7,375.”
For 25 years PWA has touched the lives of thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, by providing access to services ranging from food banks and health services to financial assistance for uninsured medications.
Eleven years ago Neely chose PWA as his long-term charitable commitment. He participated in the 2001 Ride and raised close to $7,000.
“PWA is not just about Toronto” Neely explained. “It offers many services that are not available in communities like Centre Wellington, and people living with HIV/AIDS are forced to move to Toronto as a result. Our contributions help people from all over Ontario.”
Rebecca MacEachern, of O’Briens pub said her staff was
“thrilled to help Jake with this cause.”
For more information or to make a donation to Neely’s fundraising goal, contact Bert Simpson at 519-829-8041, or via email to bsimpson@sentex.net
For more information about the Friends for Life Bike Rally visit www.bikerally.org.
