Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A volunteer's perspective: Meeting old friends and new ones at the MS Bike Tour


Bill Carr first joined the MS Bike Tour in 2003 as a volunteer at the Niagara Tour. He has since become an integral part of the event, helping out at an incredible 34 MS Bike Tours (and nine MS Walks) in the past decade.

Bill, who lives in London, usually works as part of the logistics team, dropping off and picking up mountains of food, drinks and supplies at the start/finish lines and at each checkpoint. The team arrives long before the first cyclist and doesn’t finish until after the last rider has completed the route.

Although the role demands long and physically intense days, Bill says they are gratifying ones. “I get more out of volunteering than I put in,” he says. “It’s especially rewarding to see the participants have a great time and feel that I’ve played a part in making that happen.”

In addition to volunteering for the MS Bike Tour, Bill is part of the organizing committee that helps plan the events. He also raises pledges and, although he only occasionally has the chance to ride in the Tour, acts as team captain for two participant teams. His enthusiasm for the event is such that eight members of his family have also been inspired to volunteer for the Tour.

For Bill, the social aspect of the Tour is a key part of the volunteer experience. “I look forward to seeing all the volunteers, participants and staff members year after year,” he says. “It’s really special to reunite with old friends and meet new ones.”

To join the MS Bike Tour as a volunteer, please contact Nicole Dube at 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3111 or volunteer@mssociety.ca.


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