2024 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride – Challenges Became Successes!
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The 2024 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride had a few nail-biting moments, but this truly incredible community put every worry to rest!
A big goal was set and you were not deterred. Instead, you faced the challenge, and the Party in the Park day storm head-on, and together we raised an amazing $101,000 for YANA families! This year also marked the first-ever Golf Ball Drop, a new tradition that will surely be a fan favourite moving forward.
To the 500+ compassionate donors, 240 dedicated riders, 46 generous sponsors, and 70 unstoppable volunteers—we want to THANK YOU! The success of this year’s event wouldn’t have been possible without the many hands and hearts that came together to support YANA.
THAT’S the power of community!
A year of gratitude: a Comox Valley family’s journey and their commitment to YANA
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In May of last year, the Girard family’s world was flipped upside down by the news of young Hudson Girard’s diagnosis of a large brain tumour near his brain stem.
The situation moved very quickly; from an MRI in search of answers to packing up and heading to BC Children’s Hospital, where Hudson would undergo a gruelling 10-hour surgery. Thanks to the skllful hands of the medical team and Dr. Faizal Haji, Hudson’s tumour removal was a success.
“It was indescribable the support that we received,” explained Hudson’s dad, Eric Girard, when talking about YANA’s crucial role during this turbulent time. He shared how YANA’s assistance provided relief, supporting the family’s journey and stay in Vancouver. “When you get an absolute bombshell dropped on you like that, you don’t know what way is up or down, left or right. Talking to Kelly felt like some things were taken off of our plate, which helped reduce our stress levels. It was remarkable what YANA did for us. We are really, really lucky,” said Girard.
Now, just over a year later, Hudson and the Girard family are expressing their gratitude for YANA by participating in this year’s Comox Bike Co YANA Ride. They ride to support future YANA families, just like their own family was supported. The family has created a team, “Hudson’s Homies”, where each member will ride a total of 200 kilometres while raising money for YANA between August 1st and 18th. This annual ride highlights the critical work of YANA, raising both funds and awareness to ensure that families with children and pregnant mothers in the Comox Valley can access the specialized medical care they need.
The Girard family’s participation is a testament to the impact of YANA, showing that families are never alone in their time of need. Grateful for the generous help they received from their community, they are now honoured to pay it forward by fundraising to help other families. Hudson explained his decision to ride, “What our family went through was really hard, and YANA was there for us, so I want to support other families going through what we went through.”
At the time the article was written, Hudson’s Homies had already surpassed their initial goal of $5,000 raised, and have now set a new goal of $10,000. With the money their team has raised so far, YANA can support another family’s stay in Vancouver for nearly two months. To help Hudson and his Homies reach their goal, pledges can be made by clicking the “Register – Make a Pledge – Get Info” button at yanacomoxvalley.com.
Event organizers hope the community will rally behind the charity and the local families they serve to help reach their $100,000 fundraising goal. YANA executive director Kelly Barnie explains the impact of widespread support for the YANA Ride, “The enthusiastic participation and generous contributions from our supporters ensure that we can continue to provide vital assistance to families facing medical challenges, helping to alleviate some of their burdens and allowing them to focus on what truly matters – their loved ones.”
To participate in the 2024 Comox Bike Co. YANA Ride, donate to a rider, or get more information about joining the fun at the August 18th Party in the Park, visit https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/ride/.
Comox Valley Gives Back
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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, June 11, 2024.
Terry Farrell – Comox Valley Record
On May 4, a group of ladies held a YANA fundraiser dance at the Fallen Alders Hall . We raised $4,493 for YANA. We would like a big shout out thank you to: Thrifty Foods, Panago Pizza, Barb Mareck for her amazing artistry, and the band Rock Party.
Choose Your Challenge for the 2024 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride
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The YANA Ride brings all ages, abilities and disciplines of riders together in one massive community-wide event raising funds to support YANA families.
Registration starts June 1, 2024, and participating is as easy as 1-2-3!
REGISTER – Registration is 100% by tax-receiptable donation, so your registration donation and the pledges you collect all count towards your personal and team fundraising goals.
RIDE & RAISE – Choose your Challenge tracking distance, time, number of trails, or number of communities you’ve ridden in, OR chart your very own course. Ride on Sunday, August 18th, or any day between August 1st to 18th collecting pledges along the way.
- Distance Challenge – YANA supported 200 children and pregnant mothers last year.
- Gather pledges for the 200kms you ride for this challenge.
- Time Challenge – YANA helped families with 400 medical trips last year.
- Gather pledges for the 400 minutes you ride for this challenge.
- Trail Challenge– YANA helps children tackle the toughest terrain of their medical journey.
- Gather pledges as you ride 3 off-road trails for this challenge.
- Communities Challenge – YANA helps families from every Comox Valley community.
- Gather pledges as you ride in 3 communities for this challenge.
- OR Chart Your Own Course riding and gathering pledges as you ride between Aug 1st-18th. Consider becoming a YANA Ambassador Rider to help promote YANA’s fundraising efforts by sharing your adventures.
REUNITE at the massive PARTY IN THE PARK on Sunday, August 18 from 11AM to 4PM at Comox Marina Park. Riders, families, friends, and YANA supporters far and wide are welcome!!
This is a party you won’t want to miss! Highlights include:
- Finish line and congratulation stations
- Sponsor donated prizes for every fundraising rider and the official 2024 Comox Bike Co. YANA Ride t-shirt for the top 200 fundraisers.
- Beer garden
- Live music and entertainment
- Activities for kids, and kids at heart
- 50/50 raffle, Golf Ball Drop, Air Canada raffle, giveaways and draws
- Silent Auction loaded with bike gear and accessories
- Your favourite Marina Park food trucks and seaside snacks
- …..and MORE!
For more details and information on this year’s ride visit: https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/ride/
Another successful year for Comox Valley’s 2024 YANA Valley Vonka contest
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We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the Comox Valley Record, Hot Chocolates, and Parker’s Appliances as they wrap up this annual Valley Vonka fundraiser! Thanks to their chocolaty-heart, we’re delighted to announce that YANA is the recipient of a jaw-dropping total of $17,949 from purchasing the Valley Vonka chocolate bars featuring Olive the Orca.
To everyone who made and purchased the chocolate bars, the families who shared their stories, and the kids who participated in the coloring contest and supported this fundraiser in any way, THANK YOU for helping make this fundraiser so successful! Your support ensures that local families facing out of town medical challenges know they are not alone.
