What is the Lake Simcoe Ride for Literacy?

Every year, hundreds of motorcyclists get together in mid-July and ride their bikes all the way around Lake Simcoe to help raise money to support adult literacy programs in our communities.

Who does the Ride for Literacy benefit?

Youth and adults aged 16 and over who need assistance with improving their basic reading, writing, spelling and math skills. All proceeds from the Ride for Literacy go to support the Learning Centre for Georgina (in Keswick, Ontario).

How can you raise money by riding a motorcycle?

Raising money for a good cause while having fun - sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?! But its not too good to be true; its real and its very important. And its simple: there is a small registration fee for every rider. This registration fee can be paid directly by the rider or it can be raised as pledges in lieu of the registration fee.

How much is the pledge/registration fee?

Only $40 per rider! Most riders raise more than the $40 in pledges, however. Last year, some individuals raised over $500 each!

How do I raise pledges?

It's very easy: download the Lake Simcoe Ride for Literacy pledge form by clicking here. Save the file on your hard drive. Print out the pledge form. Or, call us at 1-877-779-0888 (toll free) and we'll mail you a pledge form. Then, simply tell your friends about the ride and ask them to sponsor you. It doesn't have to be a lot! It only takes a few $10 pledges to cover your registration. Most riders are able to get $20 pledges, and some individuals will sponsor you for $30, $40 or even $50. Don't forget to ask your boss! Many corporations give pledges of $50 or $100, and some give $250! (tell your boss about our sponsorship opportunities, too!) Remember to tell your sponsors that ALL proceeds go to support youth and adult literacy programs, and that tax receipts are available upon request (see below).

Is this a registered charity?

Absolutely! The Learning Centre is a registered charity, and tax receipts for donations made (pledges) will be made upon request (for anyone who wants a tax receipt, remember to get a complete name and address on your pledge form - we need that to issue the receipt).

Is there really that much of a need to support adult literacy?

Yes! Did you know that almost 1 in 4 Canadians have "serious difficulties" dealing with day-to-day written materials? Did you know that a further 25% of Canadians can only deal with "simple reading tasks" (both figures courtesy Literacy Canada - see their web site at www.abc-canada.org). Imagine not being able to read a newspaper or a contract, or not being able to follow written instructions for operating a machine. Consider the consequences of not being able to read a prescription, or the pain of not being able to read a story to your child. To make matters worse, our society puts enormous weight on the printed word ("put it in writing") and it can be unbearably humiliating to admit that you have difficulty reading. Help us to eliminate this situation by supporting our literacy programs!

What kinds of bikes and what kinds of riders participate?

All kinds! We get cruisers, sport bikes, tourers and even vintage bikes. We get Victory's, Honda's, Harley's, Yamaha's, Triumph's, Suzuki's, BMW's, Kawasaki's, Buell's and Ducati's. We get men and women, young and old, rich, poor, doctors, lawyers. Everyone is welcome, whether you "live to ride" or just take the occasional weekend cruise. And everyone is here for a good cause and a good time, so we ask everyone to leave any "attitudes" at home for the day.

Do I have to ride alone?

Not unless you want to! Many riders come out on their own, and many come out with a few friends or as part of a riding club. If you come on your own but would like some new friends to ride with, we'll have a special area set up where you can join up with some other riders. Several of the clubs will even have displays set up so that you can meet the club members and maybe even join!