Gear Up for gender equity
RBC GranFondo Whistler and the Royal Bank of Canada are committed to making meaningful and positive contributions to the communities where we live and work.
In an effort to support our future generation of leaders, we invest in organizations that provide women facing multiple barriers with the support and tools necessary for them to achieve their full potential.
As part of this commitment, we are thrilled that our RBC GranFondo Whistler participants will have the ability to voluntarily donate to or fundraise for YWCA Gear Up program which is designed to help youth with hands-on bike mechanics, employment and life skills.
About Gear Up
Gear Up aims to provide youth from ages 15-30 with the skills and experience to become a certified bike mechanic. The 13 week program includes skill development workshops, honorariums for completed milestones, one-on-one job search support, and more.
“We are thrilled to be the charity of choice for this year’s RBC GranFondo Whistler”, said Gray Myrfield, YWCA Gear Up Program Manager. “This partnership will help us provide youth with hands-on bike mechanics, employment and life skills. YWCA Gear Up has supported over 100 young people to explore opportunities in the bike industry, and this connection in addition to RBC’s continued backing will strengthen and expand that support for future participants.”
Aligned with the goals of Project 30by30, YWCA Gear Up is an initiative to encourage gender equity in cycling by providing greater access to bike services and training. Gear Up becomes the new official charity partner of RBC GranFondo Whistler.
$50 youth entry - now for U23!
Continuing our focus on supporting youth within cycling, we are proud to again offer substantially discounted entry to riders under 23.
Open for any category, entry fee is only $50.
To access, create your Raceroster profile and register – prices will be adjusted at checkout based on your age. Note, ID will be required at package pickup.
Photo credit: Tammy Brimner
YWCA Mission
We advance gender equity alongside women, families, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people through advocacy and integrated services that help support personal, collective and economic wellbeing.
