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Comox Valley ATV club recognizes first responders, raises money for YANA
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Firefighters and other first responders in the Comox Valley were honoured on Saturday, Sept. 23 at a barbeque fundraiser in Courtenay.
The Comox Valley ATV Club put on the fundraiser, which featured a free BBQ lunch for first responders (others paid $5 per plate).
“We just want to say thanks to all the firefighters putting their lives at risk for us,” said ATV Club member Ted Meszaros, who organized the event. “They don’t get as much recognition as they need. And we want to give it to them by giving them delicious food.”
Along with the barbeque, the fundraiser included live music from a singer/guitar player, face painting for kids and a 50/50 draw.
While recognizing emergency first responder groups was the fundraiser’s focus, the $1,463 in proceeds will go towards the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Society. YANA is a community organization that offers travel and accommodation funding to families in the Comox Valley that need to travel for medical reasons.
“We have a few friends in the family going through hard times and it really hits a spot for me to be able to help out those families in need,” Meszaros continued. It makes me feel that much better going to bed.”
This was the second time the now-annual fundraiser took place. Last year the ATV Club raised about $460 for YANA.
“My goal was to beat that by even a dollar but before we even started this year, we were already $300 over [last year’s total],” said Meszaros.
~ Originally published by BCLocalNews.com
Heart-felt thanks to our partners at Simon’s Cycles for their amazing contribution to this community and to YANA through our very special shared event, the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride. We love you!
Thank you to Terri Welsh who hosted a special yoga class at MY Barn and raised donations to YANA in support of local children and families.
Our gratitude to Trails Charitable Foundation who donated to YANA this summer in support of local children and families.
Thank you to the organizers of Nautical Days who included YANA in the Ceremony of Flags. Many thanks to the attending public who gave so generously and to Carol Mattice and her family for handling the coin collection so enthusiastically.
Thank you to Great Slave Helicopters for donating to YANA on behalf of an employee.
YANA Ride 2017 far exceeds fundraising expectations
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The 2017 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride far exceeded fundraising expectations, raising more than $62,000 for the You Are Not Alone non-profit society.
The pledge site will remain open until August 31, however, meaning there is still time for the final tally to increase.
YANA Executive Director Marcie Dumais said the Aug. 20 ride went far beyond the organization’s fundraising goal of $50,000.
“We’re just thrilled. It far exceeded our expectations and it’s just a testament to everybody that got involved,” she said.
Nearly 1,000 people were involved with the fundraiser this year, including 593 cyclists and their supporters, 49 different sponsors and around 150 volunteers.
Cycling routes included a 25 kilometre, 50 kilometre or 100 kilometre ride throughout the Comox Valley. There was also a 6 kilometre family loop that allowed riders of all ages to cycle together. Routes started and stopped at the Marina Park, in Comox.
YANA is a community organization thats offers travel funding and accommodation to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical reasons. Money raised from the annual fundraiser goes to support its programs.
“Obviously the fundraising is critical to support our programs, but it’s also a really beautiful way to get a collective in the community doing something they love — which is cycling — [and turning it] into something that is really valuable and important for the community,” said Dumais.
“It’s this collective energy of people who love to get on their bikes and turning it into something really important for local families when they need it the most.”
The cycling fundraiser is one of two annual fundraisers for YANA. The other is the organization’s annual winter gala, called the Big Love Benefit.
YANA was formed in 1986. The first YANA Ride was in 2007. In 2013, YANA formed a partnership with Simon’s Cycles and 2017 marked the fifth annual Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride.
$62,000 raised at Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 20
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Our community has helped us create something very special with the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride. Cyclists, volunteers, donors and sponsors brought their best and it showed. Together we raised $62,000 for Comox Valley children and families. Thank you!
Full hearts, sore bottoms!
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What a ride! We are still tallying monies raised and will have a total soon. Until then, have a peek at some beautiful memories of a very special day of cycling and community spirit in the Comox Valley. Find photos here.
