Dear B.A.D. Ride Supporter
What an incredible Tenth Edition B.A.D. Ride we had! Despite
weeklong horrendous weather forecasts and rain on the big day
itself, almost 750 (1200 participants) stalwart motorcyclists
participated in the ride. They were, in the end, rewarded with dry
skies for their scenic ride. And, Distress Centres benefited
tremendously from the $210,000 raised for the cause. Thank you
all. Over a million dollars has been raised by supporters in a
decade of great rides. It has totally revitalized the Distress
Centres, Canada's oldest crisis line, and been responsible for the
growth of existing mental health and crisis intervention services
and the development of new ones. The B.A.D. Ride has indeed been
Distress Centres' lifeline so that the agency can be the lifeline
for those in need. What a tremendous contribution to the wellbeing
of our most vulnerable citizens!
Everything does have its natural cycle, though. The B.A.D Ride
team have dedicated 10 years to the growth of this ride. Little
did they realize in 1997 that a decade later they would still be
working hard to ensure a well-organized and fun event. That's real
volunteerism! Distress Centres is so grateful to them for their
incredible contributions…without them, the B.A.D. Ride we know
today would not have been possible. It is, however, now time for
them to follow their other pursuits. So too, for many of our
sponsors. There is a natural marketing cycle and for many of our
long-time supporters it is time for them to turn to other ventures.
Their generosity over the years has made it possible to honour our
pledge that "100% of the monies raised by riders goes to the
charity". We are ever so appreciative.
Given all of the constraints and our commitment to producing the
best possible ride that we can, it seems that the time has come to
hang up our helmets. It is done with pride in our achievements but
also some real sadness at the end of an era. What a "ride" it has
been! Distress Centres and the B.A.D. ride team have made some
lifelong friends and we will all have lifelong memories.
Please accept our heartfelt thanks for the support and interest you
have demonstrated in our cause. We hope that you will consider
supporting Distress Centres in other ways. And, who knows what the
future will hold.
Safe riding,
Karen Letofsky
Executive Director and
B.A.D. Ride team member
Distress Centres
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