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Riders hit the road for kids' cause

Canadian Tire Jumpstart program

Dan Thompson hopped on his bike Wednesday morning so that more kids in Greater Victoria can enjoy organized sports.

Imagine wanting to play a sport but not being able to pay the registration, transportation or equipment fees. That is the reality for one in three Canadian families, said Thompson, president of Canadian Tire's national Jumpstart charity program.

"Getting physically active is part of it but it's also the life skills you learn," he said, touting the benefits of sports and recreation programs.

He joined 21 riders to cycle 500 kilometres in five days in the hopes of raising $200,000 for Greater Victoria kids-in-need.

The Jumpstart Pedal for Kids Cycling Tour is a new initiative on the West Coast. The riders plan to stop in several Island cities before before finishing in Vancouver on Sunday (Sept. 25).

"It's so rewarding to do something you know will make a difference," Thompson said.

Since 2005, Jumpstart has generated nearly $350,000 and helped more than 5,700 kids, aged four to 18, in the Capital Region.

For details or to donate, please visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.