For the fourth year in a row, REALTOR® David Eng kicked it into high gear for Ride Don’t Hide.
This year’s event saw thousands of cyclists hit the road for a good cause, raising $1.5 million for the Canadian Mental Health Association. The community bike ride offers routes ranging from 10 kilometres to 100 kilometres long and raises funds for programs helping those who are dealing with mental illness.
After Eng’s first time as a support rider in 2014, the volunteer coordinator urged him to join their ride planning committee. He said he was initially hesitant, but decided to make room in his busy schedule—with help from an industry co-worker.
Eng invited Carol Song, a mortgage broker with Dominion Lending, to join him on the ride planning committee starting in 2015. For three years, they have shared committee duties as they draw on their business experience and networks to enhance the fundraiser. Eng said he is thrilled to report that Carol personally helped bring in the Vancouver International Airport as a platinum sponsor.
“We’re impressed that the ride planning committee represents a wide cross section of ages, genders, ethnicities and interests,” Eng said. “Carol and I really enjoy volunteering with them and supporting the great work of the (association).”
Recently, Eng also shone a spotlight on a local hero.
“Ed Stackhouse announced on Facebook that he would bike across Canada to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association and in honour of his son, who has a mental illness. I connected him with the charity and they provided him with jerseys and invited him to stop at the Canadian Mental Health Association offices along the way. Ed did it all without a support crew following him in a car. He used his phone’s GPS and Google Maps. He covered about 3,000 kilometres except for some sections of the Canadian shield when he rode the bus because of wildlife hazards. That’s dedication!”
Eng is asking people to save the date for next year’s ride already, scheduled for June 24, 2018.
“I look forward to seeing members of the real estate community, clients and friends at this all-ages event,” he said.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
