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!