September 10, 2008 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
Well folks, another season has come and gone and so have the
RONA MS Bike Tours. I am pleased to report that, of the 4 tours I attended this summer, all exceeded their goal!
1.65 million dollars was raised across raised across Ontario by those brave men, women, and - yes - children, all of whom came together to be a part of our mission to end MS.
The final tour took place at Centennial Park in Toronto this past Sunday, September 8th. The tour consisted of a 55 km route, and 30 km trail, allowing for even novice riders to come out and give us a shot. Although we were greeted by a fairly wet day, the rain failed to dampen our spirits, as hundreds of bikers braved the wetness, the cold, and the traffic, to venture forth and do what they could to make a difference in the lives of the over 55,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis. The fact that piping hot coffee was ready and waiting for us was certainly an ably motivating factor. The awesome continental breakfast that was also laid out for us was just icing on the cake. Moreover, upon completion of the trail, bikers were not only treated to a wonderful barbecue lunch, but were also able to avail themselves of a FREE massage, immediately upstairs from where lunch was being served.
Yours truly sat, as per usual, slapping those high-5s to anyone who crossed the finish line. While, as more and more bikers arrived, the cheering section at the end slowly dwindled, I refused to go down without a fight. The first people to cross were a father with his 5 and 6 year old children. I was absolutely amazed and thrilled that these were our first champions to make it home. Nearly 4 hours later, the last riders made it into the home stretch - a family that consisted of a mother, father, and young daughter - maybe 7 years of age. I will never cease to be amazed, not by the variety of people touched by the specter of multiple sclerosis, but by how many of them, regardless of age or background, choose, not to be a victim of MS, but a victor over this disease.
To get to see that time again, every year...that's why I do what I do!
So, now with the bike tours over and done with, we slip into the fall season, and the home stretch of the calendar year. Coming up next will be Bay Street's biggest party of the year, the LOM Gala and Benefit, supporting multiple sclerosis. This is THE corporate event to go to, for all those brilliant broker boys of Bay Street, and, once again, I will be there, volunteering my little heart out, watching as the magic of making lives better happens right before my eyes.
But - just before that happens, I have the privilege of taking part in the orientation of a new batch of coordinators, whose job it will be to organize and liaise with communities across Ontario, in preparation for next April's
MS WALK event. This is always my favorite thing to do each year because, over the last several years, many of these people who first started out as strangers have gone on to become great friends. I am rather proud to say that, for a few of these "newbie’s," I will be the first person they get to personally know with multiple sclerosis...and I want to make AB-SO-LUTE-LY certain that the first impression I give them is one of boundless optimism; that a cure is not only possible, but so close they'll practically be able to touch it!
And, as always, I will be sure to bring food for the masses!
Here's to another outstanding year of fundraising success!
Irreverently Yours,
Aug, who is deciding between sweet, salty, or savory treats...