In 2006, cyclists Kelly Jablonski and Branko Radmilovic organized the first Just Giver for Parkinson’s, when they rode their bikes 400 kilometers from Vancouver to Osoyoos. Now in its 5th year, the event has grown in all aspects – the distance of the ride has tripled to more than 1,300 kilometers, the number of riders has risen from 2 to a goal of 12 for 2010. Since its inception, Just Giver has raised $186,000 for Parkinson’s research and support services.
Just Giver has been the subject of three televised news features and 25 newspaper articles. In 2008, Just Giver launched a blog on their home page, where news about the team, Parkinson’s, and other stories of interest are posted. The blog has been an important part of their mission, generating close to 25,000 visits in less then 2 years and helping to make the fight against Parkinson’s a year round one.
To complete this 5th annual fundraising initiative, an elite group of 14 riders, including Kelly and Branko, will continue for 10 days, riding 1,300 kilometers traveling from Vancouver through Whistler, Lillooet, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Kelowna, Osoyoos, Westbank, Merritt, and Hope. The 2010 itinerary allows the Just Giver Team to visit 6 PSBC support groups along the way to create awareness and excitement.
Just Giver 2010 Team
Kelly Jablonski – 5th tour
Branko Radmilovic – 5th tour
David Kosub – 3rd tour
Rob Macdonald – 3rd tour
Adam Peron – 3rd tour
Gavin Johnston – 2nd tour
Laura Johnston – 2nd tour
Mike Ryan – 2nd tour
Mark Huggans – 1st tour
Marc Bowles – 1st tour
Kim Gard – 1st tour
Joe Gard – 1st tour
Gerry Dortch - 1st tour
Barbara Dortch - 1st tour
Just Giver 2010 Route
July 24th
Stage #1: 135km Vancouver - Whistler
July 25th
Stage #2: 132km Whistler - Lillooet
July 26th
Stage #3: 172km Lillooet - Kamloops
July 27th
Stage #4: 112km Kamloops - Salmon Arm
July 28th
Stage #5: 117km Salmon Arm - Kelowna
July 29th
Stage #6: 188km Kelowna - Osoyoss
July 30th
Stage #7: 115km Osoyoos - Westbank
July 31st
Stage #8: 118km Westbank - Merritt
Aug 1st
Stage #9: 119km Merritt - Hope
Aug 2nd
Stage #10: 125km Hope to Vancouver
