FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RONA
MS Bike Tour raises $6.5 million
RONA helps push $1.4 million year-over-year increase
Toronto, November 23, 2005 – The
RONA MS Bike Tour raised a record $6.5 million in 2005. Funds
raised support Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada research
and services.
The
RONA MS Bike Tour is the country’s largest non-profit
cycling series with 21 events in Canada. In 2004, the program
raised $5.1 million. The $1.4 million jump to $6.5 million
is the largest one-year increase in program history. Over
10,000 cyclists participated in the one- and two-day tours
that took place over the summer and early fall.
“Without a doubt, 2005 was an exceptional year for the RONA MS Bike Tour,” said Alistair M. Fraser, president and chief executive of the MS Society of Canada. “Record
results were reported in numerous locations and participants
showed great heart in cycling for the cause.”
RONA is the title sponsor of the event. Their commitment to the MS Society of Canada goes back to 2000 when they sponsored an MS cycling event in Quebec. Last year, the partnership expanded and 2005 marked their second year as title sponsor of the event.
In
addition to RONA's event sponsorship, employees collected
a further $88,000 through checkout counter sales of “Keys to a Cure” -
a two-dollar paper key bearing the name of the purchasing
customer and posted on a donor board in each store. As well,
169 store employees cycled in RONA MS Bike Tours raising
an additional $40,000.
“With compassion and grace, the RONA family has taken a firm stand in the fight against MS. As a fellow Canadian success story we are extremely proud of this partnership and the difference we are making together,” said
Fraser.
“We truly believe that RONA’s commitment to and the work our people do with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada helps to improve the quality of life for thousands of Canadians afflicted with this disease. The results of the 2005 RONA MS Bike Tour are proof positive of this and we want to thank all the cyclists and volunteers that made this event such a great success all round,” concluded
RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
About RONA
RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. RONA operates a network of more than 560 franchise, affiliate and corporate stores of various sizes and formats. With more than 22,000 employees working under its family of banners across Canada and more than 13 million square feet of retail space, the RONA store network generates $4.8 billion in annual sales.
Source:
Stewart Wong
National Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Telephone: (416) 967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
www.mssociety.ca
Stéphane Prud’homme
Media Relations Manager
RONA Inc.
Telephone: 1 877 599-5900, extension 5114
stephane.prudhomme@rona.ca
www.rona.ca
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