Wheels in motion for Cara's Hope fundraiser

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Melissa Hancock - Published on May 13, 2008
http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/article/128110
A Cambridge bike shop owner will test his endurance this weekend during a 24-hour bicycle race that he will compete in to raise funds for a local maternity home.
Clifford Vanclief, owner of The Hub Bicycle Shop, said the 24-hour race will be challenging, but he's prepared to do it to raise money for Cara's Hope Maternity Home. His goal is $1,000.
"It kind of sounds like they need a little bit of a push," Vanclief said of the home, which has experienced financial troubles and has faced closure more than once over the last year or so. "There needs to be homes like that in society, unfortunately."
In February 2007, Vanclief and his wife, Meredith - who also owns the local bike shop - had their first baby.
He said that every year he and Meredith choose a cause to donate to or raise funds for, and this year they decided on Cara's Hope because of the many challenges single mothers face in today's society when raising a child alone.
Cara's Hope opens its doors to women between ages 16 and 24 who are experiencing crisis or unplanned pregnancy. The non-profit organization is Cambridge's only emergency shelter for young women in such situations.
While Vanclief and his wife have each other and, as a parenting team, raise their son, many mothers are on their own, he said. Vanclief comes from a "broken home" and said he knows what it's like to watch a mother struggle on her own.
"This year I'm taking (the race) more seriously," he added, noting that this is his first year competing in the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous race.
This is the ninth year the 24-hour race has been hosted by Wizard of Wheels Ltd. Organizers aim to make participants feel "rich and famous" with a laid-back competition atmosphere and riders have a large cabin to retreat to for breaks, instead of traditional tents.
The race will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
People who want to make a donation can drop it off at The Hub Bicycle Shop, 22 Queen St. W. Call Clifford at 249-1473 or, send him an e-mail at clifford@hubbicycleshop.com.
http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/article/128110