From June 15th to 17th, Ride for Sight will return to Orillia’s Tudhope Park in support of innovative vision research happening in university and hospitals across Canada.
As Central Ontario’s most anticipated motorcycling fundraiser, thousands of riders are expected to join in the celebration as the event marks its 34th year. In 2011, Ride for Sight raised over $900,000 for the Foundation Fighting Blindness to help find the causes, treatments and, ultimately, cures for retinal degenerative diseases. Since its inception, the event has raised over a staggering $19 million.
“Ride for Sight is more than just a weekend celebration,” says Ride for Sight Director, Debbie Dixon. “This event has become an annual tradition for friends and families across Central Ontario.” Featuring Canada’s largest charity motorcycle parade, live music featuring The Blushing Brides, the world’s most dangerous tribute to The Rolling Stones, bike vendors and games, and free camping along the beautiful Lake Couchiching, Ride for Sight 2012 is jam-packed with energy. “Every year people are excited by the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones,” says Dixon, “Ride for Sight is the perfect way to kick off the summer season!”
“Ride for Sight has become one of the highlights of my family’s calendar,” says 17-year-old, Meghan Vanderyt. Coming into her 7th year as a Ride for Sight attendee, Vanderyt is not only one of the event’s top fundraisers, but she is also affected by retinitis pigmentosa – a blinding eye disease that often starts during childhood. “My dad made it a point to get his motorcycle license just so he can ride in the parade and my mom just got her motorcycle license last fall so she can ride too!,” she says. “The riders have shown amazing support for me and other kids with retinal diseases, and my family is so glad that we’re part of this community.”
Along with riders in Central Ontario, motorcyclists across the country are gearing up and fundraising to support sight-saving research that will, one day, restore vision for people affected by conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. With six celebrations taking place nation-wide during the month of June, motorcycle enthusiasts and thrill-seekers can join Ride for Sight festivities in Trenton, Nova Scotia (June 9); Orillia, Ontario (June 15-17); Gander, Newfoundland (June 22-24); Morley, Alberta (June 22-23); Inuvik, Northwest Territories (June 24); and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (June 29-July 1).
This year, Central Ontario participants are asked to raise a minimum of $75 to attend the event, and will be able to qualify for some great prizes by raising more. For more information and to register, visit www.rideforsight.com or call 1-800-461-3331.
<
