Erin Haluschak
Record Staff
Glenn Hascarl may be spinning in circles, but it’s for a very good cause.
Hascarl, a fitness instructor with the Comox Recreation Commission, is organizing the fourth annual Spin-a-Thon, a 24-hour spin bike fundraiser with all proceeds raised benefiting the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.
The organization helps financially-disadvantaged kids participate in physical recreation by providing them with funds to purchase equipment and/or help with programming.
The event takes place in one of the gyms at the facility and runs from 3 p.m. Feb. 28 to 3 p.m. March 1.
Hascarl hopes this year’s event will topple previous ones, with a goal of 15 or more teams participating and $22,000 to be raised for Jumpstart.
“There’s much that worked well last year, but this time we’re changing it up so that the bikes will be sponsored, and riders can donate for their ride,” he explained.
Each bike can be sponsored by a business, team or individual, said Hasrcarl, and riders can choose to have a team of 24 or less, with riders taking one or two hours.
He hopes each rider can fundraise $50 for each hour they ride, but any donation is accepted.
One hundred per cent of the funds raised in the Comox Valley for the program stays in the area, and Hascarl noted he understands the reality of costs associated with sports for families.
“Playing any sport is expensive, and the costs keep going up,” he added.
Last year, the event raised $18,000, and 14 teams spun the distance equal to a ride from the Comox Valley to Cannes, France in 24 hours — approximately 8,640 km.
To keep riders energized throughout the day and night, there will be snacks, as well as plenty of water to keep riders fuelled, and a wrap-up with door prizes.
Hascarl said individuals are welcome to register, and a team does not have to be full in order to participate.
He encourages riders from all experience levels, adding participants don’t have to be cyclists or regular gym attendees to join.
The inaugural Spin-a-Thon event featured 120 participants and raised approximately $8,000.
For more information, to register for the event or to sponsor the fundraiser, contact Hascarl at the Comox Recreation Centre at 1855 Noel Ave., call 250-339-2255 or email info@comoxrecreation.com.
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