Impala Canada Pledges to Match Donations Up to $1,000 for Michael's 1000 Km Ride
Published Monday, August 24, 2020
Impala Canada has generously pledged to match up to $1,000 in donations to Michael’s 1000 km ride; a 9-year old’s journey this summer to bike 1,000 km and raise funds for the Area of Highest Need at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Michael’s 1000 Km Ride is delighted to announce that Impala Canada has pledged to match up to $1,000 in donations to the Ride!
The Ride began on May 1, when 9-year old, Michael Vita, announced his goal of cycling 1000 km by Sept 1 and raising money for the Area of Highest Need at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Michael (and his younger sister Emily) have previously been patients at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “When I was thinking about where I wanted the money to go, it was hard to choose one place,” he said, “and that’s why we decided to give to the Area of Highest Need. I want to help everyone at the Hospital get better.”
His ride was going exceptionally well; in fact, he was ahead of schedule when his Ride abruptly came to a halt in early June. “I broke my arm while cycling on June 8 and couldn’t ride for several weeks,” Michael said. It was a big blow for the youngster, however, the support and well wishes he received from people across the community kept him motivated.
He was overjoyed when he received the go-ahead to get back biking outside (all the while still in a cast for several more weeks). Ever since he’s been going strong and has ridden with some special guests including City of Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, the Chief of Staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Zaki Ahmed and the President & CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, Glenn Craig.
Additionally he had the very special opportunity to cycle with his grandparents who came to Thunder Bay to participate in part of the Ride. He also recently cycled with some of his friends and leaders from the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club, who’ve been extremely supportive of his Ride ever since the start. And luckily, Michael’s friends have been cycling and cheering him on throughout the past several months.
Currently, with just over a week to go, Michael is extremely close to his 1,000 km goal. So far, just over $8,400 has been donated thanks to generous people from Thunder Bay and beyond. With Impala Canada matching up to $1,000 in donations, he’s hopeful to raise $10,000 after finishing his Ride on Aug 31.
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/michaels1000kmride
or by calling (807) 345-4673.
Updates on the Ride can be found at:
facebook.com/michaels1000kmride
Instagram.com @michaels1000kmride