Air Canada Vacations (ACV) says it will again be the title sponsor of the 401 Bike Challenge.
This year, ACV will donate CAD $10 to benefit Toronto SickKids, Ottawa CHEO and Montreal Children's hospitals for every ACV travel booking made on 27JUN, 2024.
Bookings can be made through local advisors or at www.aircanadavacations.com.
"The 401 Bike Challenge is a 3-day (574 km), 1-day (128 km) or half-day (33 km) charity bike ride offering various route options and durations to suit all levels of cyclists," ACV stated in a press release.
The event was launched in 2005 to raise awareness and funds to support the Pediatric Oncology Units of Toronto SickKids, Ottawa CHEO, and Montreal Children's hospitals. To date, the initiative has raised close to CAD $3 million.
"As the Title Sponsor of the 401 Bike Challenge, we would like to encourage others to take part in this rewarding journey," said Nino Montagnese, VP at Air Canada Vacations.
"We believe in making your dreams travel so even if you're not up for the ride, Air Canada Vacations will make a $10 donation to the cause for every tour or travel package booking made on June 27, 2024. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team who have signed up to meet the challenge and raise funds to help improve the outcome for children living with cancer."
This year's ride will take place from 14-16AUG 2024.
Riders can choose to participate in 1 of 3 rides:
• 3-day ride: Toronto to Montreal, 574 km
• 1-day ride: Cornwall to Montreal, 128 km
• New this year, 1/2-day ride: John Abbott College to Montreal Children's Hospital, 33 km
"For 19 years, the 401 has been our family's labor of love," said Gene Piccoli, founder of the 401 Bike Challenge. "We could never have imagined that the journey, which began with just seven adults and a young boy in the pre-dawn hours of a cold morning on our way to Toronto, would evolve into the epic event it is today.
"We feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people equally dedicated to making a difference. Lifelong relationships have been forged, creating what we now fondly call the 401 family."
All funds raised will be divided among the Pediatric Oncology departments at Toronto SickKids, Ottawa CHEO, and Montreal Children's hospitals.
To learn more about the 401 Bike Challenge or to donate, visit www.401bikechallenge.ca.
