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King Weekly Sentinel https://kingsentinel.com/?p=4649 Export date: Sat Nov 23 21:01:29 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Cyclists set to raise money for children with cancer in Ride for Karen By Jake Courtepatte Avid cyclists and philanthropists alike will be hitting the streets of Aurora, King and Newmarket this Sunday for the 13th annual Ride for Karen cycling event. Around 500 cyclists are expected to take off from the Markham Fairgrounds on Sunday, Sept. 7, circling the hilly region before coming back to the grounds. Cyclists will travel through King's scenic countryside. Whether you are an expert cycler or a beginner looking to provide for charity, there are three routes to choose from; a 25-kilometre, 100-kilometre and 160-kilometre ride. Beginning in 2002, Ride for Karen grew out of a means for brothers Kris and Kirk Tobias to cope with the loss of their mother, who had passed away in July of that year after a five-year battle with breast cancer. The two brothers got some friends together to clear their minds with a long bike ride. “I didn't really think more about it than that at the time,” said Kris. “I just believe in the healing power of exercise, mentally and physically.” Since then, the event has raised over $2 million to send children with cancer to camps across Ontario, what Tobias believes to be an important initiative of charity outside of research funding. “Somebody's childhood should be a time of pure joy. Here are these kids that really need the opportunity to just be kids.” “How do we heal the ‘person' as well? How do we make them feel better each and every day? That's what these camps do.” About 1,500 children in Canada are diagnosed with cancer each year, and about 10,000 are living with cancer today. The event will also host a Kid's Fun Ride, allowing children 2-12 to do laps, enjoy bouncy castles, and get their faces painted among other fun activities in the Markham Fairgrounds. “The idea is to get the family involved,” said Tobias. “You can start your kids young, and help them understand why it's important to give back to the community. The ride is for kids, after all.” Camps benefitting from the 2014 Ride for Karen are Camp Quality, Camp Oochigeas and Camp Trillium. All funds raised goes to charity, thanks to presenting sponsor Scotiabank, the rest of the sponsors and the high number of volunteers. King City resident Vlad Muller is entering his third year as a Ride for Karen cyclist, and enjoys the ride each year. “I'm having fun, my inner child is blossoming … it's wonderful.” Muller, who will be participating in the 160-kilometre ride, echoes Tobias's belief in the healing power of exercise. “It puts you in a meditative state,” said Muller. “Your mind calms down, and when you're smiling, children are smiling.” To participate, donate, or learn more about the Ride for Karen, visit www.rideforkaren.com. |
| Excerpt: Avid cyclists and philanthropists alike will be hitting the streets of Aurora, King and Newmarket this Sunday for the 13th annual Ride for Karen cycling event. |
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Post date: 2014-09-03 09:21:09 Post date GMT: 2014-09-03 13:21:09 Post modified date: 2014-09-09 14:36:50 Post modified date GMT: 2014-09-09 18:36:50 |
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