Fundraising at its finest!

Paul really goes all out on his fundraising approach for the Johnson MS Bike. With the help of his daughter, Paul created a blog to show those in his network what he is doing to prep for the event and why they should donate to help end Canada's disease.

"A lot of my fundraising asks are done through email to friends, family and clients. I put a distribution list of contacts together and share my story through my blog. I find it more effective than sending out a blind carbon copy email as my emails include some entertainment. The blog includes photos of me out riding, or photos from other fundraising events. I was at a client event recently and used it as an opportunity to fundraise for the Johnson MS Bike, so I included this on my blog as well."

"Every two weeks I update the blog and email it out to my distribution list, I also post the link to my blog on Facebook, and have had a great response!" Paul also makes an effort to start his fundraising when the snow starts to melt to make sure he allows his network ample time to consider contributing to the cause. "I send out my initial ask at the start of March, and then send them all the way through to after the ride when I send an epilogue to thank all who pledge me." Paul says.

Heading into his third year at the Grand Bend to London event, he's always looking to connect with other participants to find out why they ride, which continues to inspire him, "The first year I participated, I thought I had done all the training I could. I was still nervous about actually doing the ride when a guy pulled up right next to me at the start line on an old bike, running shoes and attire you would not see many people cycling in. We started chatting and he told me his mother had MS and this is what he's doing in order to help her, but shared the same worries as I did about actually cycling." Paul says.

Chatting with this gentleman really put the event into perspective for Paul, "There wasn't necessarily someone in my life I was cycling for, but now I look at this event through the eyes of those directly affected by MS, and it's the perfect motivation."

The MS Society is proud to announce that Johnson Insurance, a leading provider of home and auto insurance, has signed an agreement to become the title sponsor of the MS Bike in Ontario! Johnson's sponsorship will help the MS Society to increase its commitment to funding MS research through the donations made to participants across the province!

This partnership builds on the success of the Johnson MS Bike in Alberta, now in its fourth year.

"Having been a witness of the successful partnership between the MS Society and Johnson in Alberta, I am very pleased Johnson in Ontario is becoming title sponsor of the MS Bike in this province. Giving back to local communities has always been important for Johnson Insurance," says Alex Rafuse, Regional Vice President, Johnson, Ontario. "Thriving Communities is an important pillar in our Corporate Responsibility strategy and we are constantly looking for ways to create positive impacts in society. We believe we can do so here in Ontario with our involvement in the MS Bike event."

"Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. It's not something we're proud of, but we know that Canadians never back down from a challenge," says Owen Charters, Chief Marketing and Development Officer for the MS Society of Canada. "The MS Bike is one of our signature fundraising events that makes a very real impact in supporting people living with multiple sclerosis; Johnson's title sponsorship is a perfect example of a Canadian company stepping up in the fight to end MS."

Johnson's commitment extends beyond simply being the title sponsor: stay tuned in the coming weeks for some great activities to get you ready for the Johnson MS Bike, and boost your fundraising!

About Johnson
For more than 125 years, Johnson has delivered high quality home and auto insurance and plan benefits to Canadians. Today, it is one of the country's leading and fastest growing providers of insurance products and benefits. Johnson believes its success is a direct result of its focus on doing what's right for its customers and employees. In January 1997, The Johnson Corporation became part of the worldwide RSA Group - one of the world's leading insurance companies, writing business in 130 countries.

There's a first time for everything!

You can't label Jerry as a cycling enthusiast, and he had never participated in a cycling event before last year's MS Bike, but that didn't stop him from taking home the title of "Rookie of the year" at the 2014 MS Bike - Toronto! Jerry's son Brian had a big part in recruiting Jerry to the tour, "I became involved in the MS Bike with an invitation from my son. The firm where he works has a team registered for the MS Bike and I was thrilled to be included among his colleagues and friends." Jerry continues, "It was a great opportunity to raise some funds for MS and spend a day with my son." Although he cycles recreationally from time to time to stay healthy, he shares with us his main motivation to participate, "I have numerous friends whose wives are touched by multiple sclerosis. Because of this, I chose to ride."

 

Of all the first time cyclists who participated in the 2014 MS Bike - Toronto, Jerry managed to raise the most with an amazing $2,295 - grabbing the title "Rookie of the year." Jerry felt humbled when he was presented with the news, "This honour came as a total surprise." Jerry continues, "Rookies are very important because it shows us that new participants are always welcome, are great at collecting pledges, bring some new fundraising competition to the group and ultimately bring us closer to ending MS!" Jerry reflects on his experience and looks forward to the upcoming MS Bike season, "The event was very rewarding for me. I was able to contribute to the MS Society, raise donations for my fellow Canadians who are affected by MS and I had a wonderful day doing it with my son by my side."

Cycling for Arlie and all of Canada

 

Kim Case’s sister, Arlie, experienced her first MS attack after her son’s first birthday in 1991, “It was many years before we knew what she had, but when she was diagnosed with progressive MS her condition quickly spiralled," Kim says. In 1997, Kim and her husband Bob saw a group of cyclists ride by their house in Grand Bend and were intrigued, “We discovered that there was a bike event in our area, in support of multiple sclerosis, and the rest is history!” Since her sister’s diagnosis, the MS Society has been their family’s charity of choice, “There is not much we can do for Arlie, but we can ride and raise funds for other newly diagnosed Canadians.” Bob, a long time top fundraiser, has been cycling in MS Bike - Grand Bend to London for 17 years, and Kim has been volunteering at the event for 16.

Bob raised an amazing $7,185 this year, which landed him an invitation to the annual Celebration of Champions dinner where he was honoured for his outstanding fundraising efforts. “We have a plumbing, electric, heating and AC family company which we reach out to our friends and clients through,” Kim says. “I attach a letter to each invoice which explains our story and our participation in the MS Bike, as well as a pledge sheet for donations. It has worked out quite well, I do most of the fundraising and Bob does the cycling.” Kim and Bob are looking forward to the 2015 MS Bike as Kim explains, “The MS Bike allows my husband and I to contribute as much as possible in the fight to end MS, and we will be a part of it every year that we are able.”

Bob’s team name really hits home for himself and his family, “Our team name is MS SUCKS!” He continues, “It’s been a tough go for Arlie and our family. Arlie has been in long term care in London for four years and my wife never knows when the phone will ring, letting her know Arlie is back in the hospital again, which is challenging for the whole family along with her brother Jerry.”

“For the past 17 years I have always looked forward to the end of July when I get to cycle in the MS Bike,” Bob says. “Crossing the finish line for the very first time is my ultimate memory! In second, is meeting up with other participants and feeling the shared excitement and pride of what we just accomplished.” Bob continues, “We all know that the ride is a bit of a challenge, but it is nothing compared to all who endure the reality of MS on a daily basis.”

#IWillEndMS Contest Rules & Guidelines!!

#IWillEndMS Contest

Contest Details:

On Tuesday November 4^th we will be asking you to:

“Tell us how MS personally has affected you and how you will, or how you have contributed to ending MS.”

How will you help end MS? Using the hashtag #IWillEndMS, share your story on our Facebook page for your chance to win a pair of Toronto Argonauts tickets!! Make sure you “like” our MS Bike Facebook page to qualify.

Share your story on our MS Bike Facebook page: at 10am to 4:00pm ET on Tuesday, November 4^th! You will have 5000 characters to share your story.

Prize: The winner of the #IWillEndMS contest will receive a pair of tickets to see the Toronto Argonauts vs. the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, November 7^th at 7:00pm.

How to pick up your prize: We will contact the winner with further details on how you can pick up your prize.

Contest rules:

1.       No purchase necessary to win.

2.       One entry per person. You must only enter with one Facebook account.

3.       You must include #IWillEndMS within the post

4.       The grand prize is not transferable and non-redeemable for cash. There will be no substitutions.

5.       You must “like” the MS Bike Facebook page to qualify. You can follow @MSBikeTour on Twitter for contest details.

6.       Contest entries must be submitted on Tuesday November 4^th between 10:00 am and 4pm ET.

7.       Winner selection: A panel of judges will review the shared stories and decide on a winner.

8.       The winner will be notified and provided details on how they can acquire their prize.

Toronto Argonauts vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats in support of MS!

On Saturday, October 25th, why not catch the Toronto Argonauts take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats help to end MS! Ticket prices have been reduced to $36 and with each ticket sold, $10 will be donated back to your local MS chapter.

Here are the details you need to know:

• Order tickets through Anthony Melillo at 416-341-2716 or amelillo@argonauts.ca. Please let him know you’d like the MS Society tickets (section 127), and tell him which MS chapter you’d like to support.

• The deadline for group tickets is October 10^th. Individual tickets can still be purchased up until October 24^th but after October 10^th the MS Society section (127) will be opened up to the public.

• Accessible seats are being sold at a further reduced price of $30 (donation included).  Attendees can reserve an adjoining seat for a family member or friend, and additional family/friends will sit in the back row of the section. Accessible seating is on a first come first serve basis so it is best to reserve ASAP to ensure a good seat!

 

Thank You!!

The MS Bike season has come to a close but we would like to thank all the sponsors, donors and participants one more time for their contributions and efforts in making the 2014 MSBike a great success!

TOMORROW is MS Bike – TORONTO!!

 

We hope you are just as excited as we are to hit the road and get our ride on at MS Bike - Toronto! Make sure to connect with us on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSBikeTours

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/msbiketour

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msbiketour)

 

Make sure to send us photos or tweets of you enjoying the festivities & while at rest stops!

 

Check out all the fun happening at MS Bike – Toronto:

 

8:30-9:30am Check-In at Centennial Park (Start/Finish will be outside of the Ski Chalet)

Hand in your pledge sheets, completed pledge submission forms, and pledges totaling at least $300

Pick up your event T-shirt (and jersey/shorts if you raised $1000/$2000)

9:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)

10am All cyclists must be on route

11am-3pm

• Scrambler

• BBQ

• Massage

• Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm 25 Club BBQ

 

Rest up & see you tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS UNTIL MS BIKE – TORONTO!!

Woohoo, there are only 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Toronto! Want to make check-in smoother? Don’t forget to bring your completed pledge sheets and pledge submission form with you! You can download and print a copy of each from your Participant Centre: bit.ly/1pjsxjn

 

The MS Bike team is looking forward to seeing you soon!

COUNTDOWN: MS Bike -Toronto is in 3 Days!



There are 3 DAYS until MS Bike – Toronto!! As the event gets closer, it’s time to ramp up your last minute fundraising. HOW?! Ask, ask, ask and ASK again! Ask at least one person for a BIG donation – the worst that can happen is that they pledge you a smaller amount!

 

Submit $300

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

 

Submit $1000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike jersey

•$75 gift card

 

Submit $2000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$150 gift card

 

Submit $3000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$300 gift card

 

Submit $5000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$500 gift card

•Plus! An invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner

 

Submit $10,000 + 

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•An invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner

•Plus! Choose to ride in the Tour of Champions and join the movement to end MS at Bike MS in Denver, Colorado or receive a $1000 gift card.

 

Reward Details

•Choose to receive a gift card from one of the following: Louis Garneau, MS Friendly Bike Shop*, Chapters/Indigo, Petro Canada or Cineplex Odeon.

•The MS Society reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Bonus prizes at the $1,000+ and $2,000+ levels are cumulative (not the gift cards).

•Please note that any pledges received after October 31, 2014 will be credited to your 2015 fundraising.

 

Wondering where to mail in your donations and pledges?

 If you are mailing in your donations and pledges, please send them to the secure address listed below. Be sure to specify on the front of the envelope which tour you are donating to. In order to ensure our records are accurate, please make sure the details for the cyclist and the donors are clearly identified and legible.

 

Example:

Attn: MS Bike Toronto

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500

Toronto ON, M5T 2Z5

 

For security purposes, please do not send cash in the mail.

COUNTDOWN: TOMORROW is MS Bike – Niagara!

MS BIKE – NIAGARA IS TOMORROW!! We hope you are just as excited as we are! Make sure to meet the $300 minimum pledges and to not miss out on any of the fun. Here is what is going on for MS Bike –Niagara:

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE

Saturday, August 23

5-6pm Early Package Pick-Up (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

6pm Awards celebration and pasta supper with cash bar (RSVP required; $10 per person)

Sunday, August 24

7-8am Check-In (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

8am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)

8:45am All cyclists must be on route

10am-4pm

• Scrambler
• BBQ
• Massage
• Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm 100 Club BBQ

COUNTDOWN: Only 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara

 MS Bike – Niagara is only 2 days away  and that means you have to get prepped and packed!!

 

Here is a list of suggestions for you:

 

Riding Gear:

• Helmet (required)
• Spare tubes for your bike
• Water bottles
• Rain gear (we ride rain or shine)
• Comfortable cycling clothes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Registration Supplies:

• Completed pledge submission form with monies collected to date
• Pledge slips/sheets completely filled out
• Rider Bib - sent to you prior to your tour if you have submitted the $300 fundraising minimum one month prior.

Personal Items:

• ID (including your Health Card)
• Pocket money
• Any needed medications
• Sun and lip protection
• Change of clothes for evening ceremonies (if applicable)

 

COUNTDOWN: MS Bike – Niagara is only 3 days away!!

MS Bike – Niagara is right around the corner which means there has to be some QUESTIONS on your mind. Well, we got answers! Below are some frequently asked questions for you to take a glance at. If you have any further inquiries please don’t hesitate to contact msbikeniagara@mssociety.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if it rains?
We ride rain or shine! You may want to bring rain gear just in case.

Where do I leave my car?
There are plenty of parking spots located at the community centre and arena at start/finish. We
encourage car pooling wherever possible. Also, please do not leave valuables in your vehicle at any time.

How will I know where to cycle?
The route is signed with bright arrows to direct you. You will also receive a copy of the route map at the start line.

What happens if my bike breaks down?
We have Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles along the route and bike mechanics at select rest stops to help with basic repairs. We STRONGLY recommend you bring your own tubes and that you have your bike tuned up before the event.

Will there be water/snacks along the route?
Rest stops are located every 15km (or so) along the route that are stocked with port-a-potties, water and other drinks and snacks.

Can I listen to my IPod/MP3 player?
For the safety of you and the others on the tour, IPods and MP3 players will NOT be permitted on route.

What if I don’t reach the minimum pledge?
If you are unable to reach the $300 minimum pledge by event weekend—no problem! We will just need a post dated cheque or your credit card number to secure the balance, and then you have four weeks to continue to fundraise!

Are the roads closed to traffic?
No, the roads are all open to regular traffic, although we are on quiet roads for the majority of the ride.

Countdown: 4 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara

There are  4 days remaining until MS Bike – Niagara and WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We want you to get SOCIAL. Keep us in the loop and let us know how you are preparing, or what you are getting most excited for!! This year, we will be having a Tint social media wall stationed at the start/finish line so get ready to tweet, tag and post and see your comments on the big screen!

Get SOCIAL with #MSBIKE:

TWITTER - Send us a tweet or a photo of you training, or at a rest stop to @MSBikeTour. We will be retweeting all this week and at the event. Let’s get #msbike trending!!

FACEBOOK - Post photos on our wall of you rocking your MS Bike jersey or having fun on Sunday. Make sure to mention @MSBikeTour when you post on Facebook for last minute pledges from friends and family!

INSTAGRAM – Keep in touch with MS Bike on Instagram! Check out our account @MSBikeTour as the MS Bike team shares their preparation for this weekend. Send a double tap our way, and we will send you one back when you tag us!

TINT social media wall - In order to appear on our Tint social media wall make sure to tag us or include the hashtag #msbike on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The wall was a MAJOR HIT at MS Bike – Grand Bend to London and helped our staff engage with the close to 2000 MS Bike participants through Twitter.

Our MS Bike Instagram followers doubled over the course of the two day tour and more than 200 photos were tagged with the hashtag #msbike! We are looking forward to bring the Tint social media wall to MS Bike – Niagara participants and to get you excited about connecting with us and seeing your posts on the big screen!!

Screenshot of one of our socially savvy MS Bike participant @stimm99 ‘s tweet

The more social you are, the better chance you will appear on the Tint social media wall! See you in 4 days riders!

COUNTDOWN: 5 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara!

The COUNTDOWN to MS Bike – Niagara begins!!  There are 5 days until MS Bike - Niagara. On Saturday, August 23 you are invited to join us at the Niagara awards celebration and pasta dinner to enjoy delicious food and good company!

We want to take this opportunity to honor your MS Bike success and bring your team together before the ride. It is also a great chance to meet fellow participants!

RSVP as soon as possible and help us celebrate your success on Saturday August 23th at 6pm.  Check in early from 4:30-6:00 pm then head on over to the Lions Hall right next door for a fun social evening!

Tickets are $10/person. Purchase them here.
For more info or to RSVP please contact: msbikeniagara@mssociety.ca or 1-877-937-7772 ext. 26

Don’t let the cycling stop - Bike routes in Grand Bend & London

 

Just because MS Bike – Grand Bend to London is over, doesn’t mean the cycling has to stop. Here are some routes around Grand Bend and London to enjoy this summer:

Grand Bend

 

Grand Bend Rotary Nature Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 9 km trail extending from Pinery Provincial Park to Grand Bend alongside highway 21.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its beautiful meadow of wildflowers.

Riverside Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 1 km trail passing from dry upland oak/pine forests onto the Ausable River floodplain.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its ancient trees and sun-drenched meadows with unique butterflies, songbirds and reptiles

 

Pinery Park Cedar Trail

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 2.3 km trail overlooking the Old Ausable Channel with a 1 km extension that provides access to the shore of Lake Huron.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its lovely extension to the beach.

 

Savanna Biking Trail

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 14 km trail that travels through wooded landscape from the Park Store to the traffic circle.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its picturesque bicycle trail that will allow you to explore all Pinery has to offer.

 

 

London

 

Fanshawe Lake Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 20 km loop trail traveling around Fanshawe Reservoir.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its spectacular views, mixture of wildlife and variety of terrain.

Westminister Ponds Trails

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 10.5 km trail that is a mix of gently rolling and short steep hills.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its many ponds and rich variety of natural habitats in a relatively undisturbed state.

For more information on these biking trails and others visit http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/southwestern-ontario/

Congratulations 2014 MS Bike – Grand Bend participants!

On behalf on the MS Bike team we would like to pass along a big high five and congratulations to all the cyclists who pedaled and pushed this weekend from Grand Bend to London.

Your hard work both on and off the bike resulted in a total of $1.35 million being raised to help end MS!

Thank you participants, volunteers and donors! See you next year!

MS Bike – GRAND BEND to LONDON is TODAY!

GOOD LUCK MS Bike – Grand Bend to London riders! THANK YOU to every new and returning cyclist who are joining the fight to end MS! We wish you a safe and exciting ride. Enjoy the festivities!

Share your best moments of the day with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

MS Bike - Grand Bend to London is TOMORROW!

Woohoo! Are you getting as excited as we are that MS Bike - Grand Bend to London is tomorrow?! Here are some of the details of the event – be sure not to miss anything!

Friday, July 25
6-8pm Early Package Pick-Up (Grand Bend Motorplex)

Saturday, July 26
6-8am Check-In (Grand Bend Motorplex)
7:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)
10am All cyclists must be on route (Western University)
11am-5pm Massage Therapy – Ontario Hall
12-5pm  Scrambler – Essex Hall
1-6pm Beer Garden – London Hall
5-7pm VIP Lounge for Team Captains and $1000+ Club Members
4-7pm Dinner
8-9:30pm Evening ceremonies

Sunday, July 27
6-8am Breakfast (Western University)
7-9am Check-Out
7:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)
9:00am All cyclists must be on route
11am-2pm 100 Club BBQ
11 am – end BBQ for all

COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Grand Bend to London

MS Bike—Grand Bend to London is just around the corner! With 2 days left we’d like to provide everyone with some need-to-know information for the tour:

• Early check-in is Friday at 6:00-8:00 pm, and check-in is Saturday at 6:00 - 8:00am at the Grand Bend Motorplex.
• For the safety of you and your fellow riders, iPods and MP3 players will NOT be permitted on either route.
• Rest stops will be located every 15km (or so) along the route. There you will have access port-a-potties, water, beverages and snacks.
• Don’t forget you need to raise a minimum of $300 to ride. Set your goal high & help us end MS!

We have 3 designated cheering sections along the route for your friends and family:

Saturday:
Lobo General Store, 6376 Egremont Rd, Lobo – at the corner of Egremont Rd & Nairn Road.

Hyde Park Feed & Country Store, 1830 Gainsborough Road, Hyde Park - 5km away from the finish line!

Sunday:
Tenex Communications, 175 Main Street, Ailsa Craig - approximately halfway.