We're at 86% of our goal- help get us across the Finish Line!
Opportunity Road Ride
BIKING FOR BURSARIES
Brian Smeenk, President, Merit Award Bursary Program will ride 2,300 KM from Halifax to Toronto from September 4 to 24 to raise funds for Merit Award Bursaries for students in the GTA. He will be joined by cyclists for a Community Ride on September 24 to help bring him home.
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The goal for this Ride is $75,000 which will provide 75 Grade 12 students with $1,000 Bursaries.
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Join us on Sunday, September 24 for the Community Ride and ask family and friends to sponsor you with a donation to support Merit Award Bursaries and our amazing student recipients.
Brian's Route
Why Am I Riding?
Talent is evenly distributed.
Opportunity is not.
One of my core beliefs is that hard work and perseverance are keys to success. When one achieves one’s goals that way, it brings a lot of satisfaction. I’ve always thought that I could overcome whatever skill deficiencies I might have through hard work and perseverance.
I’ll be applying that belief again while riding 2,300 KM over three weeks to raise money for Merit Award Bursaries. I also hope that we can raise awareness of the Merit Award Program. I will be talking to people along my trip to get their thoughts on the importance of education. And the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving our goals.
And the more people we can get helping “our students” reach their academic destinations (about 87% of our recipients get at least one post-secondary degree) – the better!
Brian Smeenk,
President, Merit Award Bursary Program
Community Ride
SEPTEMBER 24
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JOIN Brian on Sunday, September 24 for the Community Ride: the final leg of the 2,300 KM to the finish line at Victoria Square Park, Markham.
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You can join as an individual, or create a team of friends, family or colleagues to raise funds for bursaries and have fun!
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Experienced riders can join mindset CYCLING for an 80 KM ride, starting from Victoria Square Park. Click here for registration details.
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For a more relaxed ride you can ride a 30KM loop led by Marshall’s starting at Victoria Square Park. Click here to register.
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The morning will end with a celebration lunch with riders, Merit Award recipients and members of the Merit Community.
"It’s (receiving a Merit Award) a reminder for me to never cut myself short of any opportunity life throws my way. This award also means I won't be walking through my post-secondary years alone because I just joined a community that has my best interests at heart."
– 2022 Merit Award Recipient
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