Jumpstart riders pedalling for children all across Niagara
“Keep it safe, keep your wheels down.”
Those were the words of advice from Paul Medeiros — owner of the Montrose Road location of Canadian Tire in Niagara Falls — to 34 riders who were about to embark on the retail chain’s Jumpstart Pedal for Kids, a five-day event which will see the riders tackling different cycling routes throughout the region.
Money raised by the ride goes to Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities, which provides funds for children in need to take part in organized sports.
“The riders will average 100 kilometres a day,” said Cam Munro, vice-president of operations for Sportchek, the subsidiary of Canadian Tire that organizes the ride. “We have 34 riders who will do all five days.”
The core riders, who come from across Canada, will be joined by an additional 17 riders who will take in some portion of the 500-kilometre tour.
Riders take part for many reasons, but the goal of helping kids take part in sports is first and foremost, said rider Kathryn Pattison from Barrie, Ont.
Pattison, who works for another Canadian Tire company, National Sports, was taking part in the ride for the first time, along with her husband, Shawn.
“We have three kids at home,” Pattison said. “We find that some of their friends want to, but can’t afford to take part in organized sports. This gives them the opportunity.”
Prior to heading out, it was announced that riders had raised $15,000 for the Niagara chapter of Jumpstart, with local dealers coming across with an additional $28,000. Those funds will be tapped into by local organizations such as Project SHARE and the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara.
“We partner with Jumpstart and connect them with the people in need,” said Pam Sharp, who is the director of community engagement for Project SHARE.
In 2018, Jumpstart provided funds of $64,000 in Niagara, helping 1,035 kids who may not otherwise had a chance to participate in organized sports. Since its inception in 2005, $650,000 has been doled out in Niagara, helping 7,400 kids.
The ride continues throughout the weekend, ending Tuesday at the Youngs Sportsplex in Welland.
The riders will be joined by 350 kids from across Niagara for a special ceremony revealing a donation of sporting equipment.