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NEWS RELEASE
A Yearly Tradition Unites 400 Cyclists in the Fight Against Lung Disease
September 8, 2008 - Four hundred cycling enthusiasts and event volunteers from across British Columbia united this past weekend, September 6-7th, for the BC Lung Association’s 24th Annual Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath (Trek).
A yearly event, Trek is a 2-day, 200km ride through the picturesque Fraser Valley to raise funds for vital lung health research, programs and clean air initiatives.
“It’s easy to understand why so many people do it year after year,” says Trek veteran and BC Lung Association volunteer director Ash Dhanani. “The event has a real family feel with less fanfare than other, bigger commercial fundraisers but with a lot of heart and soul. It’s a grassroots affair that has grown over time – and there is a true sense of community amongst participants, many of whom meet here once a year and share in the spirit of giving back.”
A quiet phenomenon which began more than two decades ago, the grassroots event has built up over time and serves as a reunion for many ‘trekkers’ who return on average 10 times.
To participate, cyclists raised a minimum donation of $425 and in return, traveled a fully supported bike route from start to finish, with rest stops, food to fuel the journey, fabulous scenery and a slew of fundraising incentive prizes, including the chance to win a trip for two to Costa Rica.
So far the 2008 event has raised more than $200,000, contributing to the total $4 million raised during the event’s 24 year lifespan. However, post-event fundraising continues until October 14, 2008, and organizers expect the final tally to reach $350,000.
Event coordinator Marissa Waghorn says the effort put forth is incredible, "Trek would not happen without the dedication and enthusiasm of donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff members. Our thanks to everyone who came together to pay tribute, to have fun and to raise funds for vital lung health research, lung disease prevention and clean air initiatives and support for people living with breathing problems.”
For more information or to make a donation in support of the BC Lung Association call 604.731.5864 or toll free at 1.800.665.5864 (outside Greater Vancouver), email info@bc.lung.ca or visit www.bc.lung.ca.
About the BC Lung Association
The mission of the BC Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Founded to fight tuberculosis more than an century ago, the Lung Association today fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and environmental health. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the BC Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province.
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For more information, please contact:
Katrina van Bylandt, Communications Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)
Marissa Waghorn, Events Coordinator, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)