The goal for the Ontario REALTORS Care® Motorcycle Ride for Charity over the last few years has been to travel throughout Ontario raising the awareness of the Foundation and its goals to the communities, fellow REALTORS® and real estate Boards.
“Since our first ride in 2006, we have raised more than $170,000 for those in need of warmth, comfort and safety,” said Lynn Martin, Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation Public Director and Ride Chair, who was also a participant in this year’s ride. “We were excited to be adding to this running total this year and, as a result, helping even more deserving families in our province.”
This summer’s ride marked the culmination of a long-term goal to reach each of the 42 real estate Boards in Ontario in order to raise funds and awareness of the Foundation’s charitable endeavours. A three-day journey, the 2011 Motorcycle Ride for Charity travelled throughout Central and Eastern regions of Ontario from July 13 to July 15.
The ride kick-off event was hosted by the Toronto Real Estate Board in Don Mills, Ontario on July 13. The ride continued with stops at the Durham Region Association of REALTORS®, the Northumberland Hills Association of REALTORS®, and the Kawartha Lakes Real Estate Association before wrapping up the day’s travels at the Peterborough and Kawarthas Association of REALTORS®.
On day two, participants made stops at the Bancroft, Quinte and Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Boards, remaining in Brockville overnight.
The third leg of the trip included a visit to the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board before reaching the final destination, the Ottawa Real Estate Board.
Board members, representatives of organizations that were 2010 grant recipients from the Foundation, media and local politicians were on hand to greet REALTORS® at the various stops, where additional participants also joined the ride.
The support and involvement from the real estate Boards and member REALTORS® has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated by all those who participated in the ride. Sponsoring meals and refreshments along the way allows riders to donate 100 per cent of the proceeds raised to the Foundation. Proceeds resulting over the years from the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation Charity Motorcycle Ride have averaged approximately $40,000 per year.