“Mark would have loved it!” says Carrie Campbell.
She was referring to the fundraiser that bears his name—Mark’s Ride—and the new format the event took for this, its fourth year.
Mark Reid was a local lawyer who loved his profession and loved cycling. Shortly after his death on August 13, 2015, family and friends organized the inaugural Mark’s Ride to honour his memory. Proceeds from rider donations go to a scholarship fund for Muskoka residents who are entering or enrolled in law school. The scholarship award is made the summer following each ride with the winner receiving all of the money raised at the previous year’s ride.
Due to road construction along the ride’s normal route, organizers decided to host a concert and barbecue this year instead, featuring Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff with local musicians Doug and Arlene McLean and Jim Brendish opening.
It was a resounding success.
The concert was fantastic,” says Campbell, Reid’s widow, adding that it was “incredibly heartwarming” how the community stepped forward with donations for the event’s silent auction. Campbell posted a notice about a gift certificate given to her by Algonquin Café and other donations started rolling in. “This beautiful community of people that clearly their memory of Mark and what we are doing is important to them. People love to give back and be part of community and the young people doing well which is all what this is about.”
And for those who wanted to support the cause with a ride, they still had the opportunity. The annual Detour Ride hosted by Muskoka Brewery and The Bike Shops in Gravenhurst and Huntsville supported Mark’s Ride this year and raised about $2,000, said Campbell.
Campbell plans to continue the format next year with a second concert by Cardiff if he’s available, and is hopeful that Muskoka Brewery and The Bike Shops will also continue to support the scholarship fund with the Detour Ride.
The third Mark’s Ride scholarship was awarded at the August 18 concert to Muskoka law student Jacob Harris, who was selected by a committee. Jacob is from Bracebridge and is entering his final year of studies at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.
“Jacob was shocked,” says Campbell. “He gave this lovely speech thanking us, and unfortunately he hadn’t met Mark but he was honoured to receive this award. He wants to come back and practice in Muskoka. He is exactly the kind of person we are so happy to support.”
For more information about the ride and for updates on next year’s event, visit marksride.ca or Mark’s Ride on Facebook.
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