With the You Are Not Alone bike ride fundraiser underway; organizers say volunteers are needed but the community continues to outpour support.
The ride runs until Aug. 20, and riders can register via donation to contribute to the cause. The YANA ride is the organization’s second largest fundraiser of the year, and it helps support families with children or pregnant women who need to travel for medical needs.
Last year’s fundraiser raised over $86,000 for the organization and they say it helped pay for a large portion of their accommodation and funding. They support around 183 children and 442 medical trips this year, amounting to around $260,000 every year.
Executive director Kelly Barnie says following the pandemic, they have seen the need increase each year and the community continues to pull through.
“We definitely have noticed even more need than normal,” said Barnie. “We have been very lucky to not have to say ‘no’ at all. We have the funding, right through COVID and right up until now, we’ve had the support from our community to make sure that no matter what when someone has to leave the community, YANA says yes.”
Barnie adds it shows an incredible community spirit to help those in need from sponsors to riders and every donation along the way.
For rider Jeff Ackinclose, the fundraiser’s impact made him want to be involved after seeing its effects in person.
“I went to the function and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place because of what they do for sick children seeking medical, pregnant moms that need to go away to actually get the medical they need and try to keep the families together,” said Ackinclose.
“It was very touching and something I wanted to do for a little while, and here I am.”
Ackinclose will be riding to Campbell River for the fundraiser this year. Riders can mix up their rides and support YANA, which Barnie says allows for better flexibility and more people to participate.
“It truly is accessible to absolutely everyone. We’ve got guys that are riding over 1,000 km for YANA and we’ve got one little girl who’s doing a ride to and from the beach that’s about 500 metres from her door everyday,” said Barnie.
“It really does make it possible for anyone to support YANA in whatever way they want for their ride.”
Barnie adds they are still needing volunteers for the fundraiser, and more information about open spots can be found on their website.
They are inviting you to come to their Party in the Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Comox Marina Park and celebrate what the community does to support each other.
