Yes, hard to believe, after all that training, fundraising, preparation and anticipation, it’s all over for 2010, our 7th anniversary of Tour For Kids Ontario. On behalf of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, our Sponsors and the wonderful Camp organizations we support, we feel deeply privileged to have had such a wonderful group of Riders who demonstrated an incredible commitment and dedication in the fight against childhood cancer.

But keep on reading, and we’ll relive together a few of the memories of what is probably the best ever Tour for Kids as we shared moments of personal struggle, challenge, triumph, laughter and new friendships!  Also, you can help us by giving your feedback, and check out some of our upcoming events and activities to keep your Tour for Kids mojo going.

CAN YOU REMEMBER THESE SPECIAL MOMENTS?

• Our moments of silence and reflection while we clasped each other side by side in a human chain of compassion
• The sun, the rain, the rain again, some more rain, with a few tailwinds and hills and more hills thrown in for good mix
• Cherilee “stretch” and the Abba performance (so politically incorrect!)
• Those incredible rest stops (I personally enjoyed the Hawaiian themed one) and seeing childhood survivor and volunteer Adam Mason.
• The amazing families and volunteers that supported us throughout
• The inspiring and gut wrenching dedications each morning and evening
• Honouring the four childhood survivors on Sunday morning, and the dedication to the passing of Marisa. Take a look at this wonderful vignette of Marisa from our 2008 National Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny4cJZ9esFU)
• Our family day celebrations at Bruce’s Mills and watching those kids have the time of their lives
• And the “stars” of the bikes – each of you.  Check out just a few of the amazing photos we took…and keep checking back to the Tour for Kids website to see all the photos and videos from the 2010 event, including just about every one of you!

CAST YOUR VOTE

We are very interested in your feedback both to help improve the experience for Riders and to help with planning for Tour For Kids 2011. This year, more than ever, we need your help to tell us what you liked, and where you would suggest improvements. Please take a few moments to complete the confidential survey by clicking on the survey link and giving us your feedback (before September 1) on this year’s event. We will send a follow up note with the results in September.

DONATIONS

Tour for Kids exists for only one reason — to help children and their families impacted by cancer. Through the generosity of our Sponsors, the dedication of our Volunteers, and you, our Riders, 100% of the donations you raise go directly to Camp Trillium, Camp Quality and Camp Oochiegeas. To give you an idea of some of the programs this money funds, click here. This year the need has never been greater with longer waiting lists for deserving children, and the need for sustainable funding to support ongoing programs. The Camps look to us to help provide an important part of their fundraising, and with your help we won’t let them down!

First of all congratulations to all of you for raising over $1.2 million to date, and putting a lot of smiles on the faces of children and families that face the daily rigours of cancer. But we can’t stop here, together we can climb to the top and hit our stretch goal of $1.5 million.  We are closing our fundraising challenge on September 30th, so keep sending your emails to family and friends, to neighbours and colleagues, and tell them about your experience. Spread the word about Tour for Kids and make a difference in a child’s life.

Don’t forget to check out our Top Fundraisers (Individuals and Teams) and see how you stack up against them. Some of you are very close, so just a little more effort will get you in the top 10 or top 5. 

SAVE THE DATE

• Tour for Kids Ontario 2011 – August 18-21 – Registration will open in October: Register early, remember this year’s event was sold out!
• Sears National Kids Cancer Ride- September 9-23.  We’re coming through Toronto September 18th and you can join us for a one-day “Ride-Along” from Woodstock to Toronto (Etobicoke), or ride for just a portion by joining us at stops at Woodstock, Brantford, or Burlington.  Also, we’ll be having an Inside Ride Event at Burlington on September 16th (two days earlier).  For more information, go to www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com.
• Ride for Karen, Sunday September 12.  Go to www.rideforkaren.com for more information.
• Inside Ride- All Year Long – Consider running an Inside Ride for your organization.  For more information go to www.theinsideride.com
• Strut for a Cure - May 26, 2011 - Our high end fashion show extravaganza is coming back to Toronto, you’ll want to book early as we were totally sold out last year!

THANK YOU FOR RIDING SOMEWHERE MEANINGFUL WITH US!

P.S.  Since you made it this far, one more memory, check it out:  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy4rs_lynyrd-skynyrd-free-bird-live_music

We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Yours truly,
 
Your Tour for Kids Ontario Organizers
Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation