Starting to plan for the Friends For Life Bike Rally

Dear Friends and Family,

This year, between July 25-30, 2010, I will be riding my bike in the 12th Annual Friends for Life Bike Rally to raise money for the Toronto PWA (People with AIDS Foundation) to support Toronto men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. I will embark on a 660 km journey on my bike, from Toronto to Montreal over a period of 6 days, with an estimated 400+ riders. Last year, I volunteered on the Bike Rally as a crew member and was so moved by the experience, that this year I decided to ride my bike and join these other courageous riders for this amazing cause. We collectively raised over $1.2 million dollars and this year we want to achieve bigger goals!

I am excited, committed and I have already begun training at the gym, but have also dedicated my weekends starting in April, to complete Training Rides to help me build endurance and strength for the 660 km ride. I am also using personal vacation days to ride from July 25-30, 2010. I can guarantee that I will work harder than I have ever done, and I can guarantee my Dedication, Commitment and Heart. What I need is help to achieve my goal of $3,500.00+.

As some of you may know, I am also a painter and as part of my incentive to you, I will be donating a personal painting to be raffled off to those who contribute $100.00 or more. For each $100 donation you will get one ticket entered for the raffle. The 30 x 40 Gallery style painting is called "Red Rhapsody" and is valued at $880.00. The painting and its specifications can be found at my website www.alexanderjwu.com.

I would like to ask you for your support. It’s very easy for you to donate. Please check out my personal profile for the Bike Rally Fundraiser where you can pledge ONLINE at:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=816619&LangPref=en-CA

If you would prefer to give cash or a cheque donation, I can also accept those. Any donation above $20.00 will receive a tax receipt. For those pledging Online, you will immediately receive confirmation and a printed tax receipt!

Information on PWA:

The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) is the largest direct support agency of its kind for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. Since 1981, more than 18,000 people in Toronto have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS. PWA provides a vast array of services geared to help all men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation exists to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct, and practical support services. For more information, please visit www.pwatoronto.org.

Here are some of the programs your donation will support:

• $150 supplies a family for one week with groceries (Food Bank)

• $70 provides a massage once a week to a PHA suffering from neuropathy

• $60 covers 1 naturopathic appointment

• $50 covers 1 month of naturopathic medication

• $45 buys a 2 month supply of glutamine (helps alleviate wasting)

• $35 buys 1 week of meals (Food For Life Program)

• $30 buys 1 bottle of vitamins.

Continue to check up on the Blog and follow my updates. Thank you so much for your Support!!!