As you will read below, alot of time and work is behind the Saskatchewan Ride for the Breath of Life (CF) Run.  They can always use volunteers no matter the amount of time you can afford!

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Fondation Canadienne De La Fibrose Kystique
Fundraising Projects Library

The CF Bike Run or "Ride for Breath of Life" is the fulfilment of a dream. From his hospital room window, Timothy Leier watched a group of motorcyclists pass by and dreamed of organizing an event to help raise CF awareness and money for CF research. Unfortunately, Timothy died before he could act on this dream. Through the efforts of his sister and the CF chapter however, a bike run for CF was held and has developed into an annual event. Every year, Saskatchewan motorcycle enthusiasts have gathered in May to raise funds for CF while enjoying a scenic motorcycle ride, gymkhana (slow, skill-oriented manoeuvres) events, and the chance to win one of several awards.

• volunteer organizers to coordinate publicity, sponsors and awards, volunteers, set up, etc.
• support from local motorcycle enthusiasts, and clubs, particularly the Venture Touring Society and the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club; both have made a commitment to support the Ride at a national level
• volunteer riders to direct traffic at the run departure, at intersections, and at major highway turn-offs (the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, whose membership consists mainly of people who work in law enforcement, is the perfect source for these volunteers)
• a mall parking lot to serve as registration and departure point
• liability insurance
• a parking lot to serve as destination point and site for gymkhana and awards presentation; there should be a restaurant nearby
• sponsors to underwrite expenses and provide prizes
• CF t-shirts and/or bandannas
• awards and prizes
• information sheets, registration and pledge forms, waivers
• CF banners and balloons for departure and destination points
• two tables and four chairs (for registration tables at departure point and gymkhana
• boxes and manilla envelopes to organize registration forms; misc. stationery supplies (pens, notepaper, etc.)

PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES:

• form committees
• secure support from local chapters of the Venture Touring Society and the Blue Knight Motorcycle Club Inc.; have them contact the Regina Chapters for assistance
• set a date for your run
• contact municipal authorities and secure necessary permit; you may also require police or RCMP escorts and traffic-controllers
• plan a scenic route of about 150 km for your main run and print maps
• produce information and registration forms, posters, waiver forms (review wording with National Office) and flyers
• print and distribute pledge forms
• arrange for the use of a local mall parking lot; this will be the point of registration and departure for your run
• book indoor venue for lunch/dinner at the destination point
• coordinate site (such as parking lot) for Gymkhana at destination point
• approach local motorcycle dealerships and salvage shops for sponsorships and prizes
• approach community businesses for prizes and other goods required
• solicit donations of food and beverages for closing lunch/dinner barbeque; borrow barbeque equipment and supplies
• decide upon award categories; some possibilities include Highest Amount Raised, 2nd Highest Amount Raised, Youngest Rider, Oldest Rider, Longest Distance, and Show & Shine (i.e., best looking bike)
• appoint officials/judges to determine award-winners
• arrange with one of your sponsoring motorcycle clubs to organize the Gymkhana (which consists of slow, skill-oriented manoeuvres)
• book photographer for event; photos will be useful for promoting subsequent runs to media and sponsors
• set registration fee; offer fundraising incentives (e.g., CF bandanna for collecting $25 in pledges, t-shirt for collecting $100, pins for participating)
• order pins, t-shirts and bandannas
• attend as many bike shows as possible in weeks leading up to the event; secure permission to set up display and hand out registration forms
• compile mailing list and mail registration packages (at least one month in advance)
• distribute posters and flyers throughout community, at motorcycle clubs - even to homes with motorcycles parked in the driveway!
• recruit volunteers to help with registration, money-counting, giving out t-shirts and bandannas, etc.
• issue PSAs and press release and follow up by phone; this event has the potential to attract television, radio and print media coverage
• follow up with media and volunteers just prior to run date

EVENT ACTIVITIES:

• have breakfast meeting with key organizers the morning of the event to ensure that event is on track
• ensure that volunteers and supplies are in place
• just before departure, advise destination of number of participants so they are prepared
• ensure that everyone has registered and signed their waiver forms
• pack up registration once ride has commenced; determine recipients of fundraising awards; count pledges; remove cash and cheques to safe place pending bank deposit
• divide participants into groups of 10-15 once en-route; this makes it easier for other vehicles to pass
• meanwhile, preparation for Bike Gymkhana and awards should be under way at destination
• riders gather at end of run for Bike Gymkhana; participants pay an entry fee to compete
• present awards; thank all volunteers and sponsors
• event closes with lunch/dinner barbeque (try to negotiate for discounted prices or, better yet, have food donated)

POST-EVENT ACTIVITIES:

• clean up destination/registration site
• save registration forms, pledge sheets, and waivers for future reference and accounting purposes
• send thank you letters to the following: the mall that hosted your registration, all sponsors, the police and/or RCMP (address letter to Commanding Officer), volunteers, and host motorcycle clubs
• update mailing list
• run thank you ad in local newspaper announcing funds raised and acknowledging corporate and media sponsors and other supporters
• issue press release announcing run results including number of participants and amount raised
• finalize accounting
• conduct a project evaluation for future reference

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• This event goes rain or shine, so make sure you advise participants to come prepared.
• Create sponsorship incentives by naming awards after sponsors and by listing their business in a thank you ad to run after the event.
• Have riders collect flat-rate pledges in advance to simplify collection of funds.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Office • 2221 Yonge Street • Suite 601 • Toronto, Ontario • M4S 2B4 • 1-800-378-CCFF or (416) 485-9149 • Fax (416) 485-5707 • e-mail: info@cysticfibrosis.ca

Gord Johnson • South Saskatchewan CF Chapter • 47 Minot • Regina, Saskatchewan • S4X 1B5 • (306) 543-8936 (R)

If you have additional information for us to include in this document, please contact the CCFF National Office.

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