General Event Information
What happens at the St. Emile School Bike-a-Thon?
Donors can sponsor a rider to complete as many laps around the park as possible within the time period.
When and where will the Bike-a-Thon take place?
This year's event will be held on Friday, May 16th, at St. Vital Park (190 River Road). All students are encouraged to join.
What is the purpose of the Bike-a-Thon?
Our goal this year is to raise $15,000 to fund a new swing set for the school's outdoor playground.
Who is organizing the Bike-a-Thon and who participates? Is the event open to the public?
The Bike-a-Thon is organized by the Parents' Association of St. Emile School and participation extends to all students and their families. Participation is limited to St. Emile students but families are encouraged to enjoy the event and cheer on the riders!
What happens if it rains? Is there a rain check date?
In the event that we are rained out, there is no back-up date. However, the BBQ hot dog lunch will proceed at the school.
What time should we arrive? And what time will the event end at?
Event runs from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please arrive early to unload your bikes (or other modes of transport for participation in the race). Proceed to your class tarp will be marked to await further instructions! More information on the event schedule can be found under Bike-a-Thon Details page.
Registration & Participation
How do we register our child for the Bike-a-Thon? Is there a fee to participate? What is included?
No registration is necessary and no fee is required to participate. Riders will be provided with BBQ lunch.
Can non-students or siblings participate?
No, riders must be currently enrolled at the school to participate.
Do parents need to ride with their child?
Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 must be accompanied by a parent.
What if my child does not know how to ride a bike?
Students can participate with their scooter, rollerblade or walk.
What if we don't own a bike? Will there be loaner bikes available?
No, we will not have loaner bikes available. If you don't have a bike, riders are encouraged to participate using other means ie. scooter, rollerblade or walking.
What if we need bike repairs before the event?
No repair service will be available at the event. Please ensure your bikes are in good working condition prior to the event.
Will there be a limit to how many laps my child can do?
There will be a time limit but your child can complete as many laps as they can during the alloted time!
How long is 1 loop of the designated route?
2 km
Can my child ride with friends?
Yes, they can ride together!
Fundraising
How does fundraising work?
Each rider will collect pledges for the event. Pledges can either be submitted directly by donor via the MunchaLunch portal, by the parent through their own MunchaLunch account, or via cash. Please see the fundraising page for more detailed instructions.
Is there a fundraising goal per child?
No, but we encourage every student to try and get to the 200 Club.
Are donations tax-deductible? Will donors receive a tax receipt?
Yes, please see the fundraising page for eligibility requirements.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit card via the online MunchaLunch portal, cash or cheque
Can businesses sponsor my child or the event?
Anyone can sponsor, businesses are also encouraged to provide prize items or cash donations to purchase prizes.
Do parents have to fundraise to participate?
No
Is there a prize for the top fundraisers?
Yes! We have many prizes in store for our fundraisers. Please see the Prizes page for more information on prizes available, draw dates and fundraising levels.
What incentives are there to encourage kids to fundraise?
Check out the Prizes page for more details on what is available, draw dates and fundraising levels! We are also so thrilled to announce we will have a Corrado Type-VI Mid Motor Racing eBike to give away! For every $20 donation, donors will receive 1 entry into the draw. The more you donate, the more entries you will receive (For example, donate $100 to receive 5 entries.
Will there be a leaderboard for fundraising?
Yes! Find it on the Prizes page.
Safety & Supervision
What safety measures are in place?
We will have 2 First Aid stations with volunteers that have medical experience. If you have medical experience and would like to volunteer to provide emergency First Aid, please contact the organizing committee - your expertise would be greatly appreciated!
Is a helmet required? What other protective gear should my child wear?
All riders must wear a helmet. Riders should wear comfortable clothes as well as closed toed shoes (sneakers).
Will the bikes be inspected prior to the event?
No, please ensure your bikes are in good working condition prior to the event.
Will the route be closed to traffic?
No. Riders will need to stay alert and keep on the right hand side of the road throughout the route.
Will there be staff or volunteers along the route?
Yes, many!
How are the younger students supervised during the ride?
Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 students must be accompanied by a parent. We will have many staff and volunteers all along the route to watch out for the older students.
Are there water stations along the route?
Yes, we will have 2 water stations available.
What if my child gets tired or wants to stop?
Feel free to take a break whenever necessary or end at any point.
Will there be a lost and found in case we lose our bikes or gear?
Yes.
Logistics & Parking
Where can we park on the day of the event?
Please park in the designated parking lots. Please DO NOT park along the bike route. We want to keep the route as clear as possible to give our riders plenty of space.
Are there bike racks available?
No
Can bikes be dropped off in advance?
Bikes can be dropped off from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.
What's the best way to transport the bikes to the event?
Via the parents' vehicles.
Are there restroom facilities?
Yes, they are located by the playground.
Is there a bag check or place to leave personal belongings?
No, please leave your personal belongings in your vehicles for safekeeping.
Event Day Activities
Will there be food and drinks available?
Riders and their families will be provided with a hot dog lunch, granola bar, drink and a treat.
Can we bring our own snacks or picnic?
Yes, you can!
Are there vegetarian or gluten free options?
We will have vegetarian hot dogs available.
Are there games or activities for kids when they are not riding?
Yes, we will have field activities and the 2 groups will switch off.
Is there a photographer or videographer on-site?
No
Will photos be shared after the event?
Yes, with permission
Are pets allowed?
Yes
Will there be an awards ceremony for top riders?
No, but awards will be given out at school at a later date.
What happens if we arrive late?
Go to your class tarp.
Miscellaneous
Will the event be rescheduled if we are rained out?
No, but the BBQ hot dog lunch will proceed in the gym at the school.
Can we donate without participating?
Yes
Can we sponsor another rider if our child is not participating?
Yes
How will the PA thank sponsors and donors?
We will acknowledge our generous sponsors and donors via social media.
Who do we contact if we have questions about the event? or feedback after the event?
StEmileSchoolBikeathon@gmail.com
