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IBMers Ride for Heart — Rain or Shine
Lab employees have traditionally shown a great deal of enthusiasm when it comes to raising money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation through the Becel Ride for Heart. But on Sunday, June 3, IBMers and their friends and family members demonstrated more than just enthusiasm — they exhibited true heart — as they braved chilling winds and rain to complete the 14th annual Becel Ride for Heart.
With endurance and grit they raised more than $30,000, helping the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario raise a record $1.5 million — up $200,000 from last year.
Once again, Team IBM had the most riders in the fundraiser, with 220 participants from the Lab and another 200 from IBM Global Services, Canada. Thanks to the fashionable IBM fin on their helmets and the IBM logo on the back of their Becel Ride for Heart T-shirts, Team IBM was easy to pick out from the thousands of other riders and in-line skaters who braved the inclement conditions to take part in Canada's largest charity cycling event.
This year, cyclists started at the westbound entrance to the CNE, enabling direct access to the Gardiner Expressway without cycling on Lakeshore Boulevard. Once on the Gardiner, overlooking Toronto's scenic skyline, the cyclists continued on to the DVP and completed either a 50-km or a 25-km route, finishing back inside the CNE grounds.
The in-line skaters also enjoyed a scenic route skating westbound on the Gardiner, completing either the 2.5-, 5-, or 10-km route.
The IBM Corporate Challenge Team's participation in the annual fundraiser was sponsored by Lab Director Hershel Harris — who completed the Ride with his wife Mary Anne — and Rick Horton, GM, IBM Global Services, Canada.
Special thanks to the team captains Bobby Fielding, Tom Atkinson, Ruth Hibbard, Doug Doole and Sabra Mott, who coordinated IBM's participation in this record-breaking ride.
To be added to the distribution list to receive information on the 2002 Ride for Heart, please send an e-mail to Bobby Fielding/Toronto/IBM.
