Group EXercise instructor is riding her bike for a great cause

Written by Lauren, GoodLife Group EXercise instructor

I’ve been wanting to do the PWA Friends for Life Bike Rally for years, but I was never a cyclist and it was sort of unknown territory for me. This rally begins on Sunday, July 29th and is a 6 day ride to Montreal, arriving Friday, August 3rd and raising money for the Toronto People with AIDS foundation.  Regardless, I love a challenge and I really believe in the cause, so I made it a point last year to mark the 2012 dates in my calendar so I wouldn’t miss out.

I am a BODYATTACK and BODYPUMP instructor at GoodLife Fitness in Toronto. Last year, I injured my lower back while teaching BODYPUMP and I’ve been on the sidelines in that program ever since (it’s been about 8 months, 5 of them not teaching). The only thing I could really do that didn’t irritate the injury too much was spinning & RPM(and I’m still teaching BODYATTACK). I really found a love for the cycling programs and they’ve given me a great base for doing the ride to Montreal.

From my perspective, I’m not raising money for any one person in particular, but for everyone who needs it. I think the People With AIDS Foundation of Toronto does amazing work, but they seem a little bit like unsung heroes. They are working toward a great cause yet they aren’t as well known as other charities on people’s radar (at least it seems that way). Through this ride, my goal is to make people aware of their cause, and to help raise as much money as I can.

Donations to the PWA go toward the following programs:
• $150 supplies a family for one week with groceries (Food Bank)
• $70 provides a massage once a week to a PHA suffering from neuropathy
• $60 covers 1 naturopathic appointment
• $50 covers 1 month of naturopathic medication
• $45 buys a 2 month supply of glutamine (helps alleviate wasting)
• $35 buys 1 week of meals (Food For Life Program)
• $30 buys 1 bottle of vitamins

Because I’m a first year rider, my fundraising goal is the minimum $2,200. I’m new to fundraising and new to cycling, so I want to ensure everything I’ve set out to do for myself is achievable, not to mention raising $2,200 is a little daunting! I’m ready to tackle the challenge, though, and see where it takes me.

Donate to Lauren’s ride from Toronto to Montreal and raise money for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.

All donations over $20 get a charitable tax receipt, which will be emailed to the supporter after pledging.