Toronto Police Stationary Bike Race
Toronto Police Service put the pedal to the metal for United Way Toronto
One of the teams participating in the 14th Annual Toronto Police Stationary Bike Race for United Way get ready to pedal hard in the competition. You can also view more pictures.
Toronto Police Service employees showed that they’re willing to pedal hard for our community on April 6, 2011 by raising the highest amount ever at the 14th Annual Toronto Police Stationary Bike Race for United Way Toronto. With 36 teams (made up of six employees each) taking part in this signature fundraising event, everyone participating raised a total of $24,594—almost $9,000 more than the amount raised last year.
Enthusiastically organized by Special Event Coordinators Sharon Cairns and Melissa Gibson, this year’s event was able to expand in size by being held at a larger venue, the Toronto Police College’s gym. Also on the Toronto Police Service United Way Toronto Fundraising Committee are Employee Campaign Chair Kathy LeBarr and Campaign Chair Deputy Chief Kim Derry, who were on hand to help kick off the race.
“This event was dreamed up by an employee who is into cycling, and over the years it grew. Over the years, it’s been converted over to a United Way signature event we have,” Kathy explains about the origin of the event.
Showing a healthy competitive spirit, participating Toronto Police Service employees each took on 10-minute bouts, with a twist—many teams got in the spirit by wearing fun team-based costumes. “Spin Warriors Assault Team” took home first place, riding a combined 63.66 km in an hour. The 22 Division “The Terrible Twos” came in second place with 61.97 km, and in third place was “31 Wheels” with 61.78 km. Fitness instructor Timothy Finlay and 14 Division Constable Nathalie Melo won the title of best individual male and female times, respectively.
“We’ve always been involved with United Way—we’ve always held a campaign. We have the same connection with the services and the agencies, and everything that the United Way does, because we service those areas also. It’s really a partnership—we have a close relationship with the United Way,” adds Kathy.
Along with the stationary bike race, the fundraising committee is also planning some new fundraising events this year, such as a corporate version of the races, a tug-of-war event with the Toronto Police Services’ team and selling a special ‘now and then’ historical Toronto Police Service calendar. Plus, they’ll be creating teams and taking part in United Way Toronto’s annual events Scotiabank Rat Race and the CN Tower Climb as well.
“Employees understand that at a fundraising event they can really, truly support United Way. So they can come out, have a good time and raise money for a good cause—they really pull together,” Kathy adds.
