Close to my heart

There are so many causes. There are so many reasons to help. Recently, I made a donation to Mike Foley’s Ride to Conquer Cancer. Maybe he’s a cancer survivor. Maybe he knows someone who succumbed to, or survived, cancer. I don’t know, but I do know at least a dozen people who are battling cancer—in one way, shape or form—and probably as many who didn’t win the fight. Cancer truly does affect every family. On June 7 and 8, Ride to Conquer Cancer participants will be cycling along different routes throughout Ontario. The funds raised for this two-day Ride will benefit the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which is one of the premier research centres in the world. To take part in this Ride, each participant pledges to bring at least $3,200 to the research table. The riders make the contribution from their own resources, or they fundraise amongst their friends, family and in their community. If someone asks for a donation to their Ride to Conquer Cancer, please give what you can. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Roll on, Mike Foley.

On May 4, 2014 Prince Edward Hospice hikers will join thousands of others across Canada to raise funds for their community hospice facility. Our Hospice Prince Edward is located at 40 Downes Avenue in Picton.

Last year, $40,000 was raised for our Prince Edward hospice. Pledge sheets are available at the Downes Avenue house. If you’re feeling spring-like, toddle over to the house and make a donation. If you’re feeling positively sprightly, register for the Hike, collect some pledges, dig up your comfy shoes and get ready to hoof it around town. Hospice care focuses on the care of seriously or terminally ill patients, attending to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Every community needs a hospice home. Every hospice home needs a supportive community. The May 4 event is a non-competitive event for walkers, runners, strollers, dawdlers, hoppers, skippers and jumpers. This is the third annual PEHH. There are 2k and 5k routes starting with registration at 8 a.m. at the Prince Edward Community Centre, where the Hike begins and ends. Registered hikers will be treated to a barbecue lunch provided by the Picton Rotary Club. One hundred per cent of the funds raised by the Prince Edward Hike for Hospice stays in Prince Edward. Hospice is for everyone and everyone is invited.

If you aren’t a hiker, think about shining up your bicycle for the Picton Rotary Club’s brand new event, the Rotary Lilac Ride. This event takes place on Sunday May 25 with three different routes of 25k, 50k, or 100k. If you register for the Rotary Lilac Ride before May 5, the price is only $40. If you register after May 5, the price climbs to $50. For those of you who leave things to the last moment, like I do, there will be cash registration on the day of the event. Registered Lilac Riders will be treated to a barbecue lunch and, maybe, a complimentary gift. We all know about the great contributions the Rotary Club makes to this and other communities. Heck, they’re providing the barbecue lunch for the Hospice Hikers. Find a Rotary member, get the brochure and sign up for the most aromatic ride of the year.

Okay, okay, you’re the type who likes to rock the night away with an opportunity to make a contribution to cancer research. The Relay for Life is the 12-hour, overnight party of the year. You don’t have to be fit to Relay. You don’t need a road bike to Relay. You do have to join a team or create a team of your own, then raise at least $100 to participate. The Relay is as much a social event as it is a fundraiser. I hear the music and the entertainment will be mighty fine. The challenges are epic and the company is memorable. Get in touch with Erin Davis, at pecrflteams@gmail.com or call 613.962.- 0686. Erin is the Prince Edward Relay for Life captain. If you hear a friend talking about their team, ask them if they’ll let you join their fun. The Relay for Life is a celebration and a pep rally. Get your pompoms and noisemakers ready.

And, finally, the Becel Ride for Heart is on Sunday, June 1. That’s my Ride folks. You know I’ve been riding the ride for years, and with your help have donated thousands of dollars to Heart and Stroke programs and education. Heart disease is all around us. You know how I ride, and you know how to get in touch with me with your donation.

Get physical or give—you can make a difference.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca