Community

WATCH: Community pedal power like you’ve never seen

YMCA Okanagan’s largest fundraiser generates funds for youth

  • Goal is to raise $80,000
  • Hundreds of people showed up to ride
  • Funds go towards subsidizing YMCA programs

UPDATE: The YMCA said it raised a record breaking $123,000 at the event.

Nearly 300 riders attended the Y’s largest annual fundraiser, raising heart rates and funds through participation in a huge outdoor cycle class. Almost a thousand local children will be able to access life-enriching Y programs all because the community came together and raised.

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Cycling to provide equal access to recreation programs is what hundreds of people gathered for on Sunday during the YMCA of Okanagan’s largest fundraiser of the year.

After a two year break because of the pandemic, the 15th annual Cycle for Strong Kids returned with community members eager to ride together.

“This year we’ve got about 250 participants, which is fantastic,” Adria Perron, YMCA annual giving manager, told Kelowna10. “This community really pulled together, I couldn’t be more proud of how this turned out.”

The event aims to raise $80,000 to help subsidize YMCA programs, such as camps and swimming lessons, for local families living in poverty. Funds are gathered through a raffle and a fun cycle class for pre-registered riders outside H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre.

“We believe health starts with belonging, with being able to join in with their peers to have fun, build friendships, and along the way to stay healthy mentally and physically,” Perron said.

Four cycling classes went on throughout the day, each lasting for around 45 minutes. The atmosphere was electric as the instructors got everyone pumped while blasting music and raising money for the cause.

“The energy in that tent as we’re cycling is out of this world,” she explained. “Seeing this community come together to do something that matters, that’s impacting children and youth, it’s amazing.”

YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids is co-presented by sponsors Fresh Air and Delcourt Advisory Group at Scotia Wealth Management.

Ryan Olar, owner of Fresh Air, said the company has been sponsoring the event for over a decade.

“It’s just important to us to have a strong youth, strong community,” he said. “It starts in the youth and builds from the ground up.”

Olar said the class was physically demanding since it was his first ride this year, but he was happy to be riding with everyone while raising funds.

“It’s great, the energy is amazing, the vibes are really strong, and it’s great to see the community come out and support it,” he said.

Published 2022-05-29 by Jordan Brenda

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