Trillium In The News

Mississauga News

Ride funds Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre
Cyclists will give cancer the gears

December 22, 2004

It's about a week earlier than usual, but organizers of the 2005 Gears 24 Hour Spin at Mississauga's Hershey Centre are hoping for the usual outstanding turnout.

This year's event is planned for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12. Proceeds will go to the Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre at Mississauga's Trillium Centre. The Wallace centre, which opened in September, specializes in screening and early intervention for breast cancer and screening for osteoporosis.

Last year's 24 Hour Spin attracted about 2,500 participants, raising $500,000 for the cause.

Initiated by Gears Bike Shop co-owners Kevin Wallace and Ira Kargel in Port Credit, the events have raised about $1.4 million -- almost half of the goal of $3 million for the Wallace centre.

"We hope (the earlier date) won't affect our numbers," said Kargel.

"It was moved because (of conflicting dates) at the Hershey Centre schedule with the IceDogs."

Each participating team will be assigned a specific bike. Any number of cyclists can ride on a team. Some teams will have one member riding for 24 consecutive hours, while others will have as many as 24 members taking turns in relay fashion. Each participant must raise a minimum of $200.

Besides plenty of good exercise, there is food, refreshments, non-stop music, a silent auction and entertainment.

This year 15 bands will perform live including Soul Drums, a percussion outfit headed by Doug Sole. Meanwhile, Michael White will do a musical tribute to Led Zeppelin and classic rock.

The charity's modest start dates back to 1998 when the Gears shop challenged its customers in a six hour spinning event at the store. About 25 people participated.

The next year it became a 12 hour affair, attracting 100 spinners to raise $25,000 for the Breast Cancer Society.

In year three the event was moved to the Cawthra Community Centre.
This time 600 spinners showed up, raising an eye-opening $100,000. Organizers decided the charitable benefit should have national scope and a partnership was formed with Trillium Health Centre.

For the past four years, the event has been held at the Hershey Centre.
Registration takes place on the Friday at 8 p.m. and the event starts two hours later. For 24 consecutive hours, about 225 donated stationery bikes will be in use.
For information 905-271-2400 or visit www.gears24hourspin.com

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