Clara’s Big Ride & The Power of Grassroots Engagement

August 05, 2014
3 min read

Charitable Impact

BuckUp_ClaraClara Hughes rode into Ottawa on July 1, after three months on “Clara’s Big Ride” for Bell Let’s Talk: a landmark national bike tour for mental health. Over the course of 110 days, she put in some gruelling work — biking 11,000 kilometres across the country. As if that wasn’t enough, Clara hosted more than 200 public events along the way to raise awareness.

At Chimp, we’re honoured to have played a small part in what Clara accomplished this summer, by powering the fundraising that Canadians across the country undertook for their favourite mental health charities.

Canadians Fundraised for their Charities of Choice

From long distance biking to creative music covers, individuals and organizations challenged themselves in unique ways to raise money for their charity of choice. Here are a few Giving Groups and sub-campaigns that inspired many people to donate.

Cover Songs for Donations

Vancouver band The Matinee raised money for Music Heals to increase access to music therapy in Canada. For each $100 donation, the band performed a cover version of the donor’s favourite song. Matinee band members explain their fundraiser.

#BuckUp for Mental Health

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC joined Clara’s Big Ride with their highly successful #BuckUp campaign. The team asked fans to give to local mental health charities by contributing a dollar at the club’s anniversary game in May. Watch fans “bucking up” for mental health on game day.

 

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Adam and Angela’s Bike & Run

Pembroke, Ontario couple Angela and Adam dedicated their fundraising efforts – a 10km run and a 30km ride respectively – to Angela’s brother Alex, who lost his battle with mental illness last June. Together, they raised money for a local grief support charity — and exceeded their fundraising goal by more than 100%.

 

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We are always inspired by all the generous people who take initiative to give or fundraise through Chimp. Clara’s Big Ride just proved once again, that given the opportunity, Canadians are a generous, passionate and engaged group. Thank you from the Chimp team to Clara Hughes, Bell Canada, and every Canadian who participated and stepped up for mental health in Canada.

Interested in running your own fundraiser?

There are many causes that need the support of people like you. Talk to us if you’re interested in running your own fundraiser. We’ll get you started and help support you along the way.

Call us: 1-877-531-0580

Email: [email protected]