Jumpstart Pedal for Kids – Getting Kids in the Game

Ugh. Is it really September? I was just easing into summer and now I have to mentally prepare myself for the approaching chaos and I’m not talking about homework. I’m talking about competition season which starts in earnest for my cheerleading daughters in September and ends sometime next spring. It means countless hours at the the gym for them, hours and hours in the car for me, and several out-of-town trips to compete. It also translates into “big money” and while I’ve been known to speak with my tongue in my cheek about the high cost of sports, it’s not a joking matter for 1 in 3 Canadian families.

Every September, thousands of kids across the country enroll in team sports but sadly too many kids are left on the sidelines due to financial constraints.  The benefits of sports based extra-curricular activities are many and that’s why Canadian Tire is working hard to get all kids in the game with Jumpstart Pedal for Kids.

Between 2005 and 2013, the Jumpstart Pedal for Kids campaign has helped over 227,000 kids get in the game in Ontario alone, distributing $24.1 million dollars to families in need. It’s an amazing effort and one that I’m thrilled to be a part of this year.

As the Ontario blogger for this year’s campaign, you can help me me raise awareness for this year’s Jumpstart Pedal for Kids which sees bikers ride in a 5 Day, 500 Km cycling tour. 100% of all donations raised during this year’s ride will go directly to Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Jumpstart is a nationally registered charity dedicated to removing financial barriers so kids across Canada have the opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the game. You can learn more about Jumpstart at jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.

This year the ride starts in my hometown of Ottawa and travels to Quebec City as riders aim to raise $675,000! There is also a smaller ride offered this year from Ottawa to the gorgeous Montebello in Quebec. A smaller 100 km that makes my thighs scream in pain at the thought of it. Thankfully my ride is virtual!

By helping me raise awareness for this year’s Pedal for Kids, you are also entered to win 1 of 10 Schwinn Firewire 4.0 Mountain Bikes or 1 of 10 Schwinn Accessory Prize Packs which include a helmet, a water bottle, a light, and a small bike bag. You can enter once daily for the duration of the contest.

Help Me Move My Bike Across the Map with Pedal for Kids

This is how you can help: Simply click here on my own unique Jumpstart Pedal for Kids URL. Then click on my bike to help me move across the map! Don’t forget to enter daily and help me race to the finish line!

I am taking part in the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Pedal For Kids blog campaign. While I have received compensation as part of my affiliation with this program, the opinions shared are my own.