A number of years ago, four Hamilton, Ontario lawyers brainstormed for a way to raise money to assist some of the most disadvantaged members of our community – homeless and street-involved youth. These four gentlemen came up with the idea of riding their bicycles for pledges, and Miles for Smiles was born. Over the years, the Biking Barristers (as they came to be known) have seen Miles for Smiles evolve into an annual effort to bring the local legal and business communities together to join forces and raise money in support of facilities that help these kids, in particular 
two such facilities operated by the Good Shepherd Centres: Brennan House and Notre Dame House.
Brennan House provides housing to support local youth in their transition from homelessness to independence. According to the Good Shepherd Centres website:
Brennan House is a 15 bed, co-ed transitional housing program for youth 16 to 20 years of age. This long-term, personal strength-based program supports young people in transition from homelessness to independence. Residents are expected to establish their own personal goals with the aid of Youth Support Workers.
At Brennan House, young people are encouraged to develop life skills such as budgeting, problem solving, conflict resolution, anger management, self awareness and other identified areas. The team approach incorporates 24-hour Youth Support Workers and community resources to assist youth in their development.
Notre Dame House is a 24-hour emergency shelter and multi agency resource centre of homeless and 
street-involved youth. In 2001, Notre Dame House also opened a school to meet the educational needs of these young people in our downtown core. From the Good Shepherd Centres website:
The six-week program uses a unique team approach that pairs each young person with a youth support worker who helps them reach their personal goals using strength based, client centred approaches. Program objectives are achieved through advocacy, case coordination, recreational/ therapeutic programming, informal counseling and connections to housing, education, income resources and other identified needs.
Miles for Smiles now has two components: an auction and a 36 km bike ride. This year, the auction will be on Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at the Liquid Kitty Lounge (which is located downstairs from Tailgate Charlies at 69 John St. S. in Hamilton). The auction is a fund-raising event in itself, but it also serves as the “kick off” for the ride. It’s a chance for members of the legal and business communities to come together and share a laugh or two while raising money for a great cause. In addition to the silent auction, there will be musical entertainment. This year, entertainment will be provided – one way or the other – by the Dennis Reardon Orchestra.
The bicycle ride will take place on Saturday, September 26th, 2009 on the local rail trails. For more details about riding with us and raising funds, contact Lauren Bale and she’ll set you up.
In 2007, Miles for Smiles raised approximately $26,000 for homeless and troubled youth in the City of Hamilton. In 2008, we raised more than $30,000. Our aim this year is to do even better than last year. You can help by:
- attending the auction September 24th (maybe even bid on an item or two!);
- purchasing a raffle ticket;
- riding on September 26th – or failing that, sponsoring a rider;
- donating an auction item (charitable donation receipts based on actual value of item provided); or
- letting others know about the event.
I would be pleased to try to answer any questions anyone might have if you send me an email.
Recent Comments