For Deloitte’s Ottawa team, the annual RIDE, powered by Mattamy Homes, is the ultimate employee engagement event.
This year, the professional services firm will be sending a team of more than 30 staff to participate in the cycling event on Sept. 9.
“This is the type of event that we can really rally a team around,” says Michael Runia, a managing partner at Deloitte and an avid cyclist himself.
The RIDE is an annual fundraiser for The Ottawa Hospital, and typically attracts corporate teams from a wide cross-section of the local business community.
For corporate teams, the event serves both as a great team building exercise and a proven way to give back to the Ottawa community.
“The Ottawa Hospital impacts almost everyone in our business, in one way or another,” says Runia. Whether through personal experience or that of a loved one, most Ottawa residents have only a short degree of separation from the healthcare and research facility.
For Runia, the RIDE serves as a way for his firm to show its appreciation for the nation’s capital.
“Our business relies on the Ottawa economy,” says Runia, who also serves on the foundation’s board of directors. “As a result, I think it’s important for us to give back to the city and be able to participate in events in the community.”
In addition to supporting innovative research at The Ottawa Hospital, corporate teams also benefit from the employee engagement aspect of the RIDE.
Individual riders or teams can register, and have the option to take part in the 117-kilometre or 50-kilometre routes. In advance of the fall event, many companies conduct fundraising drives and assist riders in training for the longdistance bike ride.
“It’s a unique event that allows many different folks to participate,” says Runia.
For those who choose not to take part in the cycling component – whether for scheduling or health reasons – there is a virtual ride option.
It gives participants the ability to fundraise as part of a team and earns them the perks reserved for riders, including a finishing medal and invitations to exclusive events. Virtual riders will be able to track their progress leading up to the event through the RIDE mobile app, a great alternative for those who want to participate, but have a scheduling conflict.
“We all have choices to make around community events and donations,” says Runia. “This is an occasion where it hits the mark on many levels – it has a massive impact on the city of Ottawa. Because of that, I’m thrilled to participate and I would encourage others to take part as well.”
For more information on how your business can get involved, head to DoTheRide.ca.
