A8 • www.vicnews.com
Wednesday, June 11, 2014 - SAANICH
NEWS
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
FAST FACTS ✦ Join the Cowichan Valley Grape
Time to climb back in the saddle for MS Society’s Grape Escape ride Arnold Lim, News staff
to create a meaningTaking the opportunity to enjoy Vancou- ful experience for the ver Island’s beauty can be amazing at any team. The society raises time, but doing so for a great cause might approximately 85 just be better. The MS Society of Canada’s Cowichan per cent of its revValley Grape Escape is back. The goal for enue from fundraisthe picturesque, two-day fundraising bike ing events, with only a ride through the Valley on July 5 and 6 is to small percentage comraise more than $500,000 in support of indi- ing from government viduals living with multiple sclerosis and for grants. Fundraisers such the Grape Escape research to find a cure. Ashley Hodgins, manager of develop- are critical to continue ment, said the ride is the society’s biggest providing support for fundraiser of the year. It goes a long way MS patients and their toward taking on this unpredictable neu- families and funding rological disease, which is often diagnosed research toward a cure. Jaap Zwaan, who in young adults and affects vision, hearing, raised more than memory, balance and mobility. The society made a difference in Hodgins’ $11,000 for the cause life when her father was diagnosed with the in his first time riding disease in 1996. “It was pretty scary. We had in 2013, is already halfway to matching last year’s total. He’s happy to be no idea what to expect,” she said. Her family discovered there is a place to involved again. “It’s the satisfaction provided by my efforts to go to find information on support and other resources. More recently in her role with the raise funds for a good cause,” he said. “It is close to society, she’s seen families go through that home and a beautiful area. From the stops, to the same experience. “It is important for people drinks and eats along the way, it is phenomenal.” Riders may be pleasantly surprised how relato know we are here and there are a large community of people working towards end- tively easy it is, he added. “So don’t for a goal that is too low. You’ll be surprised with how much you ing this disease.” Efforts made by volunteers and riders have can achieve.” The event has three route options for riders made a difference to her family and others with family members battling the disease. which start and end at the Shawnigan Lake School. The Grape Escape, which requires more than Each offers scenic rides, with visits to local wineries 200 volunteers, would not be possible with- and artisan stands along the way. Zwaan plans to be involved every year and hopes out the support of a group they refer to as the MS Hope Volunteer Team, Hodgins said. more riders and volunteers join him on the journey. “They are the backbone of our organi“It is a way zation. It is a lot of work to give back to to put this event together what society and we take great pride gives to you. in making it an amazing The more you experience for participants give, the more and volunteers on the event you get back to weekend. It is heartwarmyou when it is ing to see the camaraderie needed,” he said. between the participants and “Giving is more the support the volunteers important that are providing.” receiving.” A variety of different volWill Arnold, unteer positions are available an event to suit abilities and schedules sponsor from nteers and the organization strives MS Society Volu
$90 with dorm fee for those staying overnight at Shawnigan Lake School.
VOLUNTEER ✦ More than 200 Grape Escape volunteers contribute about 1,170 hours over the course of the ride. To learn more about volunteering for the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape, call Lily at 250-388-6496 ext. 7345 or email: lily.fawn@mssociety.ca
ABOUT MS ✦ Canadians have one of the
Experience Cycling, couldn’t agree more. “There is a feeling I can’t explain and to me, it’s the crown jewel of the bike rides across Canada,” he said. “It is like family… it is so rewarding. The atmosphere, the feeling, the whole thing is amazing.” Organizers hope to raise more than $500,000 with the event. Hodgins said riders and volunteers can see and meet the people they are helping, when clients with MS hand out medals to all riders at the finish line. “I think the best part for me is seeing people cross the finish line with that sense of accomplishment and sense of connection to the cause,” she said. “When we announce that final fund-raising number, it brings tears to my eyes. It is so wonderful to see so many people supporting something we all believe in.” For more information visit cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com
register now | msbike.ca | 250.388.6496 Explore one of Vancouver Island’s exceptional wine regions by bike while raising funds to end multiple sclerosis. Challenge yourself at the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape, a two-day tour open to all cycling levels!
LOC AL SPONSORS
Shawnigan Lake School
N AT I O N A L S P O N S O R S
MEDIA SPONSORS
REGISTRATION INFO ✦ Registration to July 6 is $55 or
CowiChan Valley Grape esCape July 5 & 6
BC Y TITLE SPONSOR
Escape Ride for MS July 5 & 6. Note that all riders must raise at least $400 to join the event. If the minimum has not been raised by July 5 they will be asked to cover the difference in order to participate. ✦ Can’t join the ride? Help put an end to MS by supporting another team or rider. It’s as easy as visiting www.cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com
highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. ✦ MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada; every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed with MS and women are three times more likely than men to develop MS. ✦ There is no known cause and no cure for multiple sclerosis, however the MS Society of Canada is the largest funder of MS research in Canada. Founded in 1948, the society has invested more than $98 million in research to date. ✦ Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world ✦ MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada; every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed.
INFORMATION ✦ Contact the South & Central Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society of Canada at 250-388- 6496, email info.victoria@ mssociety.ca or visit www.mssociety.ca