2007

GIVETOLIVE is founded as “The Tony Griffin Foundation,” an organization run entirely by volunteers determined to help fight the war on cancer. Founder Tony Griffin takes a year out of his career as a professional athlete in Ireland and embarks on an epic, 55-day, 7,000 km cycle across Canada and Ireland. Originally hoping to raise $50,000 for various cancer charities, Tony inspires hundreds to join his cause and raises over $600,000 in six short months.

Moved by the loss of his father to cancer, Griffin says of his decision to take a year away from his career, “There was a time when people thought polio was just a necessary part of life but the genius of a few and the passion of many beat the disease. It seems today that we look at cancer in the same way, that it is just a necessary part of life. But I know in my heart that it doesn’t have to be this way, that we can and we will beat it.”

Seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong, invites Tony to visit his home in Austin, Texas and cycle with him on a private ride.

2008

55 cyclists and five volunteers leave Halifax, Nova Scotia and embark on yet another epic cycle. Riding relay-style in teams of six, the cyclists complete a 14-day cycle to Austin, Texas to once again join forces with Lance Armstrong and his LiveStrong Challenge. The organization once again surpasses its goals and raises $274,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Canada, and Craig’s Cause for Pancreatic Cancer.

Peter McCormick, one of the 55 riders, said of his experience, “I can’t put into words what this journey has meant to me….and I thank everyone so much for all their efforts to make this happen. If you ever decide to put together another project like this, I will be the first in line to support you all the way! This truly was the experience of a life time!”

2009

Tony decides to leave the running of the foundation in the good hands of co-founders Todd McDonald and Ashley Ward, and returns to Ireland to continue his career as a professional athlete (Google “hurling” to see the extreme sport he plays). The foundation changes its name to GIVETOLIVE and establishes its mission as an all-volunteer organization dedicated to ending unnecessary disease and illness by inspiring people to lead healthy and happy lives through exercise, altruism, and achieving the extraordinary. Thank you for helping us change the world – one person at a time.

GIVETOLIVE completes its third epic cycle in as many years by leading 35 riders on a 5,000 km journey from Vancouver, British Columbia to Austin, Texas to once again meet up with Lance Armstrong. $190,000 is donated to four charities in Canada and the US and top fundraiser Meghan Ferguson donates her award of a private ride with Lance to 14 year old cancer patient Peter Gatti while members of the organization use their own money to fly Peter and his family to Austin, Texas to ride with Lance. Said Peter’s mom Donna of their experience, “these were the memories of a lifetime and we are so grateful to the people at GIVETOLIVE for giving our family this experience.” Peter – now a 15 year old cancer SURVIVOR – commits to doing the ride in 2010 with his father Angelo.

2010

GIVETOLIVE completes its fourth epic cycle and donates another $268,000 to various cancer charities across North America. Another 40 cyclists hit the road from Vancouver, BC and embark on one more 5,000km journey towards Austin, Texas to meet up with Lance and the newly named Livestrong Foundation. While the departure and arrival points are the same as 2009, everything in-between is different… and much more challenging! Cyclists cross the border into the US and immediately head east, climbing to 8,000 feet in the Cascade Mountains by only the second day. It is bitter cold, wet, and windy for most of the next 14 days, but the stories are legendary, the scenery magical, and the perseverance of the riders truly awe inspiring. The foundation continues to be run by volunteers and finishes the year proud to announce that over $1.3 million has now been donated since inception.

Check out our photos and also view some heart-warming video.

2011

GIVETOLIVE announces the next epic journey… this one with a twist and a little more local flavour! Responding to overwhelming feedback to do something in Nova Scotia and something slightly shorter than the usual 5,000km, GTL announces a 3-day cycle around beautiful Cabot Trail to support programming for those afflicted with paediatric cancer. The event will accommodate up to 200 cyclists and contain a traveling little city for 3 days in August (5th – 7th). Click here to register and get more details.

GIVETOLIVE announces the event will be in partnership with a wonderful group called Coast to Coast Against Cancer and that 100% of ALL FUNDS RAISED will go to charities that provide camping and support programming for children and the families of those afflicted with childhood cancer.

The foundation continues to pride itself on being an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff and no overhead.