Victoriaville hosted the Roulez ALS Québec benefit activity for the first time this past weekend, created by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of Quebec. A record total of more than $366,000 has been raised for this 16th edition to date.
More than 200 cyclists took part in one of four routes through the region, two 50km, one 80km and one 100km. Each cyclist was asked to raise at least $300 for one day and $500 for two days. In addition, a dinner of around 200 guests gathered at the Hôtel Le Victorin.
“For the first time in Victoriaville everything went very well. The reception was really wonderful. And despite the rain at the start, all participants were enthusiastic. Then the sun came out,” says Claudine Cook, executive director of the ALS Society of Quebec.
The latter was pleasantly surprised at the generosity of the Victorian community. “This is one of our best releases ever. We significantly exceeded our goal of $275,000. Additionally, a private foundation in the region has agreed to pay us $50,000 per year for five years, for a total of $250,000. Our amount raised this year is actually $426,260. “With the addition of the online auction, which runs through September 7, we’re going to reach an even bigger sum,” she said.
This fundraiser raised funds to help counteract the effects of ALS — or Lou Gehrig’s disease — which destroys the body’s nerve cells and leads to voluntary muscle atrophy. ALS affects more than 600 Quebecers each year.
The organization also supports people with ALS and their families. “A large part of the funds raised goes into medical research. There has been a lot of progress in recent years, but we must continue our efforts,” stresses Ms Cook.
Real estate agent Max Sévégny shared the honorary presidency with Nicole Bergeron, widow of Guy Aubert, patron and businessman who died of ALS in 2019.
“It was a wonderful and moving meeting. Over dinner we were able to pay tribute to my friend Guy, with whom I have had the privilege of traveling on several occasions. He had a big heart and did not hesitate to contribute to various projects and good causes, often without his involvement being publicly known. That’s why I wanted to be there to honor his memory,” shares Mr. Sévégny.
To donate or learn more about this disease: www.sla-quebec.ca.
You can also participate in the auction online at www.macause.com/SLA.
Max Sévégny, one of the activity’s honorary presidents, is flanked by his wife, Sylvie Baril, and Alain Rayes, MP for Richmond-Arthabaska. (Photo www.lanouvelle.net)
