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Maps Updated!
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The Consulate General of the Netherlands in Toronto started the “Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike!” initiative in 2007. The object of the event is to promote the use of bikes for recreational purposes, but also as a daily mode of transportation to and from the workplace. Good for the environment and good for your health. In addition there is a charitable component attached to the event – every participant is asked for a financial contribution in order to buy new bikes for needy children. In Toronto the Consulate works with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation which selects children in one of their neighbourhoods to receive a bike (and matching helmet). In 2007 we were able to donate 20 bikes and in 2008 there were enough funds for 25 bikes and helmets. In 2009 this will be a Canada-wide event. The Embassy in Ottawa and Consulates in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto are participating. Various Dutch organizations and community groups in other cities have expressed an interest in participating as well. The date for “Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike!” 2009 will be May 31, 2009. We are asking all organizers to keep to this date, if at all possible, so the event can be promoted as a truly Canada-wide happening. The following is a guideline for the organization of the event: Promotion material: The Consulate in Toronto is in the process of designing a logo which can be used for all promotion material, posters, invitations etc. Each participating organization is encouraged to use the design in its promotional material (free of charge). T-shirts: This is the most important issue. In the past two years we have provided all participants in Toronto with an orange t-shirt – we are currently negotiating with a sponsor. Orange is the very visible colour of the Netherlands. Depending on the size of the sponsorship we might be able to provide participating organizations with a number of t-shirts. Route: Plan a route of approx. 15 – 20 km, this has proven to be a good length in Toronto for participants of all ages. However, you are free to decide differently. Toronto has a good number of bicycle paths – we will use the pretty route from the Old Mill along the Humber River via the waterfront to downtown with as final destination Nathan Philips Square. Holland Promotion: It is custom in Holland to decorate bikes for special occasions such as a parade on the Queen’s birthday – we ask all our participants to decorate their bikes to make the event as colourful as possible. Final Destination: The final destination in Toronto is Nathan Philips Square, in front of the City Hall – we will have an open air market with Dutch food, products, sponsor tables, bike safety information etc. Financial Contribution: At the start of the ride (at registration) we request from every participant a financial contribution (in 2008 we asked for $10) for the charitable component. The rider then receives a t-shirt and food/drink coupon. The cost of the t-shirts and food is covered by sponsors. Sponsors’ logos are shown on all promotional material. Charity: The money collected is to be used for the purchase of bikes for needy children. We have been very fortunate in the past two years to have been able to team up with the local Canadian Tire store in order to get some good deals on the bikes. Timing: To be decided by each organizer – in Toronto we start around 10:00 am and arrive at the end location around noon – followed by presentations and food etc. at the market. Presentations: A representative of the receiving charitable organization could be present to receive a (symbolic) gift – the Consul General presents one small children’s bike for media photo opportunity. The rest of the bikes are presented at a later date once we have matched age appropriate bikes with the list of children provided by the organization. The presentation of the bikes is a separate event organized in cooperation with the receiving organization. This is a very broad outline of the event – we welcome any further questions you may have and offer our assistance in making your “Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike!” day a great success. Please do not hesitate to contact us: Inez Mitchell 416-598-2534 ext. 229/ inez.mitchell@minbuza.nl Miranda van Brummelen 416-598-2534 ext. 231/ miranda.brummelen@minbuza.nl Mickey McLaughlin 416-598-2534 ext 221/ mickey.mclaughlin@minbuza.nl
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