Team Vermilion ready to it the trails on August 29. Photo submitted
On August 29, Vermilion’s team of seven cyclists hit the trails in and around Vermilion to raise money for cancer.
Ride To Conquer is typically an event held in Calgary where cyclists ride to Sundre, but this year, due to COVID-19, plans changed. Originally, Ride to Conquer had postponed the event to 2021, however in early July, announced that they would be doing a virtual ride instead.
Team Vermilion’s captain, Darren Bratrud, has been participating in Ride To Conquer for three years, and Team Vermilion has been participating for the last two.
“Fundraising got hot and heavy in the past two weeks,” Bratrud commented.
As of August 30, Team Vermilion has fundraised over $30,000, and are in 6th place. Currently holding 5th place is a team of 121 cyclists with less than $5,000 more than Team Vermilion. Since the typical event held in Calgary could not happen this year, one of it’s major sponsors, Enbridge, had to find other ways of participating, since funds for support crews and the like was not needed. So, Enbridge decided to match donations that were given within a certain time frame. Along with Enbridge, Team Vermilion has received support from Enbridge banking partners, the Crist Family Foundation, and NOV, who are also matching donations given within a certain time period.
“We feel pretty fortunate with the support we got from the community,” Bratrud said.
Fundraising for Ride to Conquer usually ends the day of the ride, however this year, fundraising is open to December 31. To donate, find Team Vermilion at https://ride.conquercancer.ca/alberta20/, find the Team Vermilion Facebook page, or call 1-888-624-2453.