CORNWALL, Ontario – One of the most popular cycling events in Eastern Ontario, the 30th annual PwC MS Bike – Ottawa to Cornwall, is seeking more than 50 volunteers to help on both Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18.
“We are actively recruiting for our 30th annual MS Bike event. This year we are expecting over 500 cyclists and need the support of volunteers for our Checkpoints along the route and at the NAV Centre, where the cyclists will spend the night before cycling back to Ottawa,” said Emily Palmer, Special Events Assistant with Cornwall Chapter of MS Bike.
Volunteer tasks will include, but are not limited to, handing out rider numbers and T-shirts, loading and unloading the equipment truck, handing out prizes to the cyclists, preparing and serving food, and providing logistical support every step of the way.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our events, and we’re looking for about 50 to 75 people to help…especially in Cornwall and the communities along the route in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry,” said Kristin Harold, MS Society Regional Director for Eastern Ontario. “We need help with everything from route signage and setting up rest stops to monitoring the route and even cheering the cyclists across the finish line. Our volunteers not only have a great time at the event, but also ensure that the event is successful in raising funds to help people in our community impacted by MS.”
The event will start on the morning of Aug. 17 with cyclists pedaling away from Larry Robinson Arena in Metcalfe, continuing along a scenic route through Marionville, Crylser, Finch, Long Sault and ending in Cornwall at the NAV Centre. Most participants are expected to stay overnight and follow a similar route back to the Ottawa area on Aug. 18. The course is monitored by support-and-gear vehicles as well as bike mechanics, and rest stops are set up every 15 kms, stocked with beverages, fruit and high-energy bars.
“When MS Bike participants gear up, they are taking a stand against MS and are supporting those affected by multiple sclerosis,” read an MS Soceity press release statement.
“The MS Bike is one of the flagship fundraising events of the MS Society, and every August hundreds of cyclists in Cornwall, Ottawa and SDG raise money and cycle up to 225 kms in support of MS. Outside of our fundraising efforts, our focus for the event is making sure that our cyclists are safe, well-fed and are entertained throughout the weekend, and this is where our valuable volunteers come into play,” said Palmer.
This year’s event is expected to raise over $500,000 for the Society.
To volunteer for MS Bike, contact Jessica Wallace, Coordinator, Fund Development and Administration at 613-728-1583 ext. 3326, or email jessica.wallace@mssociety.ca. Online volunteer registration is also open here.
