 Stefanie McQuaid, Co-Chair
5th year on the Bike Rally
My involvement with PWA took its genesis with one thing - my friend Marcel. He brought me into the the original Pie in the Sky fundraiser as a Pie Peddlar and then "signed us up" to volunteer on the Food Crew for the Bike Rally. That turned into me leading the Food Crew for two years. I have been a volunteer at many events for many agencies and the scope of the Friends For Life Bike Rally facinates me and I just can't seem to get enough of the amazing people involved in this journey.
This year I am very excited to continue the role of Co-Chair and to work with the incredible individuals on the Steering Committee to produce an amazing event for the 10th Anniversary of the Bike Rally. I'm holding firm to my status as a non-rider, and hope that my perspective continues to enhance the experience for all participants.
In my professional life I am a National Business Analyst with the federal Department of Justice. For over a decade I have been volunteering with Fife House and currently hold the position of Past President of the Board of Directors.
Todd Ross, Co-Chair
7th year on the Bike Rally
I joined the Friends for Life Bike Rally for two reasons: to achieve the
physical challenge of a six day ride to Montreal and to support the Toronto
People with AIDS Foundation.
The first year was hard – raising the money tough and after six days on a bicycle seat I never wanted to sit down again. But the exhilaration of arriving in Montreal – with this amazing group of dedicated, hard working volunteers made me realize that this was an event that I had to do again.
After several years, my seat no longer gets sore and the money is slightly easier to raise – but that feeling of arriving in Montreal always remains the same.
I am humbled to take on the challenge of Co-Chair for the 10th anniversary. This will be a exciting year for the Bike Rally as we aim for more volunteers, more riders and more money to go back to the agency than ever before – but our team is so fantastic that I have no doubt that we will reach our goals.
When I am not volunteering, I am a senior consultant at Connect Consulting Solutions, a Toronto government relations firm specializing in Aboriginal Affairs and Health Care.
 Walter Dimini, 10 Year Committee, Chair
7th year on the Bike Rally
I have been involved with the Bike Rally since 2002. My experience with my first ride was so positive that I decided to get more involved and joined the steering committee. When I first read that the Bike Rally will change your life I dismissed it as marketing hyperbole. But once I actually did it, I understood how true that statement is. The energy that the Bike Rally generates gets right to the core of you and stays with you long after the actual ride is over.
Darren Cooney, Public Relations Committee, Chair
5th year on the Bike Rally
It's a privilege to be spreading the Bike Rally story for a third year as Public Relations Committee Chair. This year marks my fourth year in total with the rally, though it seems just like yesterday a friend registered me as a rider for a birthday present -- surprise! At the time, I hadn't ridden a bike in years (nor did I own one), but now I can't stop cycling and this year I'll be on my own brand new road bike.
In my day job, I'm a policy & issues analyst with the provincial government and though I was trained as a broadcast journalist, I've been in public sector communications for several years now. I'm glad to be able to help get the word out to our stakeholders and to the media, so that we can attract more participants, donors and corporate sponsors.
We're always able to use help spreading word about the Bike Rally, so if you have contacts in the media, a story idea or you want to talk about PR, feel free to drop me a line.
Lynn Muir, Wellness Committee, Chair
3rd Year on the Bike Rally
This is my third year on the Bike Rally and my second year as Wellness Crew Chair. It was a little nerve-wracking to take the reins from Suzanne last year but I had an amazing crew who made my life easy and Suzanne was close by to give advice and support (thank God!). I'm so excited to be leading the Wellness Crew for the second year in a row. It's going to be a great year! You will get a chance to be cared for by an exceptional group of medics, Registered Nurses, Registered Massage Therapists, and chiropractors. We are here to make sure you arrive in Montreal safe and sound. All this to raise money for an extraordinary organization that cares for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Here's to the 10th year! Be well, be safe!
 Suzanne Giroux, Events & Socials Committee, Co-Chair
7th year on the Rally
When I first joined the Friends for Life Bike Rally six years ago, I never thought that I would get hooked!! Well, I did... and had fun! Now, I will try my best with Nathan to organize events and socials to make this Rally a fun experience to remember. Last year I decided that I wanted to experience the ride as a rider.
 Nathan Butterworth, Events & Socials Committee, Co-Chair
5th Year on the Bike Rally
I joined the Bike Rally in 2004 looking for something to challenge myself physically and mentally! I had such an amazing experience that I have been doing it every year since then. For the past three years I've been a team leader, and last year I decided that I'd like to get more involved as a member of the Steering Committee. As Co-Chair of Events & Socials I get to work with some wonderful people on my committee including the AMAZING and talented Suzanne (my co-chair). Our goal this year is to make the Bike Rally a memorable experience for all participants...think costumes, think FUN!
Brent Everett James, Roadies Committee, Chair
8th year on the Bike Rally
I have been volunteering with the FFLBR proudly since 2001. This is my 8th year on the ride and 5th on the Steering Committee as Co-Lead for the Rustler crew. While there is certainly a lot of time devoted to preparations for the Rally throughout the year - and some long, hard-working sweaty days during the ride - it's energizing. It's incredible. It's amazing. Every year proves to be just as exciting, challenging and rewarding as years previous. I reap so much from this incredible event, both personally and spiritually... it's hard to find the words. I participate with inspired passion, thoughts and memories of dear, dear friends, and the anticipation of new bonds and friendships. Here's to another great ride!
Todd Davies, Food Committee, Chair
5th year on the Bike Rally
Hi, I'm Todd Davies. This is my fifth year on the Friends for Life Bike Rally. The boyfriend got me
hooked 4 years ago and now I think I have become a lifer! During the
day, I am a mild-mannered secondary school teacher in the Durham
Region, and therefore, have lots of time in the summer to give to a
truly worthy cause. My other passions include volleyball, camping,
movies, and alas, I am also an internet junkie. Good luck to everyone
on the ride. Let's have a great time for a great cause!
 Luis Aguila, Communications Committee, Chair
3rd year on the Bike Rally
To be honest, I'd never even heard of the Bike Rally when I first signed up, but riding to Montreal in the Summer of 2006 was life changing. Not in a Movie-Of-The-Week or Oprah sort of way, but in the enduring memories and friendships forged over the many training rides and during the ride itself. Having gained so much from the Rally I though I needed to give something back, so here I am again contributing on the Web side of Communications.
 Klauss Pandel, Road Safety Committee, Co-Chair
4th year on the Bike Rally
This is my 4th year participating in the Rally as part of Road Safety. This ride is even more special to me this year for many rezones that hit me very close to my heart. PWA is a fantastic Organization and I will be there always for them in anyway possible. We have a great Crew this year and look forward in seeing you all on the Ride this year.
Dan Fraser, Road Safety Committee, Co-Chair
4th year on the Bike Rally
Hey folks. I rode twice in the rally back in 2001 and in 2002. Last year I had the incredible experience of being with the Road Safety crew.
Trust me when I say that this will be one of the greatest weeks of your life and the memories will last forever.
Welcome back to past participants and welcome aboard to all those joining the rally for the first time. Its year 10 and it'll be a doozy.
 Wade Borges, Team Leader Committee, Co-Chair
3rd year on the Bike Rally
The PWA is such a great cause, and I had a fantastic time on my past rides that my goal for this year was to ensure that the new riders had as good an experience as possible. So welcome everyone, and let's have a great time!!
 Glenn Gundermann, Team Leader Committee, Co-Chair
6th year on the Bike Rally
This is my 6th year participating in the Bike Rally and 1st year on the Steering Committee. It is quite a privilege to be a part of such a fine group. I loved the Bike Rally from my very first training ride. I knew I'd come back for my 2nd year weeks before we left for Montreal. It is a great feeling to be doing something for such a great cause. I look forward to getting reacquainted with returning riders and meeting first-year riders for the first time. See you on the road.
 Michael Cress, Rider Development Committee, Chair
7th year on the Bike Rally
I first became involved with the bike rally in the summer of 2002 when I joined as a volunteer for the food crew. From talking to the riders, they really made a great impression on me, and I realized that what I thought would be impossible (me on a bike for 6 days to Montreal!) was actually possible. The next summer I was on a bike cycling to Montreal. It was a great experience and I became hooked.
 Nick Foglia, Sponsorship Committee, Chair
2nd year on the Bike Rally
This is my second year with the Bike Rally and my first on the Steering Committee. I originally joined the Bike Rally as a personal challenge. The team energy, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment has solidified my commitment to the wonderful people and goals of this important event.
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