That’s when RASS is holding its initial Recovery Day in Canada Bike-A-Thon.
Starting from Thompson Community Centre at 10 a.m., about 35 to 40 riders are expected to follow a 12 km route along the middle arm dyke to the Richmond Oval and back.
Expectations are the event will raise roughy $10,000 for RASS which relies on the majority of its funding from provincial and civic government sources.
What is needed is about $50,000 to help provide a half-time youth and family councillor, said Rick Dubras, executive director with RAS.
“But this is our first year and we hope to make it an annual event,” said Dubras. “Essentially, we want to ensure there are enough counsellors on hand to meet the need.”
The bike-a-thon is to be one of the highlights locally for Recovery Month in Canada which the health community has earmarked September as the time to raise awareness about the stigma behind substance use, misuse and addictions.
The ride for RASS starts with registration at 9 a.m. and all participants must wear helmets.
Funds are being raised through a $10 registration fee, and all riders are also encouraged to sell a book of raffle tickets to friends and family to help support the event.
Each book contains five, $5 tickets. Draws for prizes will be made Sunday afternoon following the ride.
Registration for riders can also be made on the day.
Free parking will be available at nearby Burnett secondary school. Thompson Community Centre parking will not be open for bike-a-thon participants.
After the ride is completed at approximately 11:30 a.m., there will be live entertainment provided, in part, by singers who took part in this year’s RichCity Idol competition. There will also be purchase options for refreshments and lunch.
To conclude the day’s activities a guest speaker will talk about recovery from addiction.
For more information call RASS at 604-270-9220.
