This past Sunday June 3, Intelexians joined over 13,000 cyclists celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Heart and Stroke’s Becel Ride for Heart and raising nearly $5 million for heart and stroke research, the highest ever for a ride.
Team Intelex continued its participation in the ride, raising $3,560. The rain and wind that was forecasted for the day held off and cyclists were treated to spectacular views of the Toronto skyline from Toronto’s Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, views typically only available from an automobile.
Each of the 13,000 cyclists had their own motivations for being in the ride, whether it was a personal connection to the disease, participating in a good cause or a chance to flex their leg muscles.
For some like Gary Kao (pictured below), the ride represented a personal goal. “Although this is my second time around, it was a completely different experience,” he said. “I challenged myself to beat my last year’s time. Towards the 40km mark, just when I was about to give up… I heard some volunteers shouting out ‘Go, go, go, you can do it!’ and ‘You are so close, don’t give up!’”
Gary added, “I highly recommend trying out the Ride, especially opting for the 50km route. It would absolutely push you to your limit.”
For others like Richard Fenn, the ride was an opportunity to connect with nature amidst a concrete highway. “Did anyone else see the family of geese? There were 3 adults and 5 young ones. (They were) so cute!!!”
As always, thanks to Gretchen Herrada for organizing the Intelex team for another successful event and Intelex President and CEO Mark Jaine for his continued support of the Intelex Team.
The Intelex team joined in the efforts to help the Red Cross raise $43,000 during Red Cross week this month. Every year over 2.2 million people are assisted, trained or educated by the Canadian Red Cross which is over 43,000 people each week! So that’s just $1 for each Canadian that will benefit from this fundraising campaign. Intelex employees collectively contributed $2,825 during Red Cross Week to the cause with Intelex matching every dollar raised for a total of $5,650! 
A team of Intelexians participated in the Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart on Sunday, June 5, 2011, and the weather could not have cooperated more. Clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures made ideal riding conditions as Toronto shut down the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway for the annual event.