Members with the YMCA will be working up a sweat in an effort to raise money for a kids charity program.
On Saturday, the YMCA of Western Ontario is hosting its third annual YMCA Sweat for Strong Kids cycling event in a number of different cities, including London and Windsor.
"Every dollar raised for this event supports [the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign], which essentially gives kids, families and adults in the communities access to YCMA programs, regardless of their financial circumstances," says Sofia Hrstic, the development officer with YMCA of Western Ontario. "This would include day camps, swimming lessons, health and fitness memberships, and recreational programming."
Hrstic says the outdoor community spin class brings out a lot of YMCA members, but also their friends and families. Every participant is asked to raise $100 to help support YMCA Strong Kids and around 700 cyclists are expected to attend the events.
"We see a great turn out from corporate teams, [as well as] people of all ages and skill levels," she says. "I know cycling can be kind of intimidating, but it's a 'go at your own pace' event."
Hrstic says the event gets bigger every year. In the first year Sweat for Strong Kids raised $135,000 and this year's event has already raised over $150,000.
The YMCA Sweat for Strong Kids cycling event will take place between 8:30am-12pm at the Covent Garden Market in London and Central Park Athletics in Windsor. The other events will be held the same day in Woodstock, St. Thomas and Strathroy.