IT ALL STARTED

WITH A BIKE RIDE.

MISSION & VISION

STORY

WHO BENEFITS

BOARD

CONTACT

MISSION.

Inspire people to live happy and healthy lives through generosity, fitness, and achievement of the extraordinary.

VISION.

A world where every individual lives and gives to their fullest potential and unnecessary illness and suffering no longer exist.

THE STORY.

In 2007, GIVETOLIVE founders Ashley Ward and Todd McDonald crossed paths with an inspirational young man preparing to embark on a 7,000 kms cycle across Canada.

Tony Griffin, a renowned Irish athlete studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax, had lost his father to cancer only months prior and was cycling to raise funds for others suffering from this illness. The Irishman had no bike, hadn’t been on a bike since he was 12, and had no real idea how big Canada was. What he did have was a 1-way ticket to Vancouver and complete faith that success was his only option. McDonald and Ward were so inspired by his “belief in all that could go right” that they volunteered to help him with logistics and fundraising. Six months later, Tony had cycled 7,000 kms from Vancouver to Halifax and the adventure had raised over $500,000 to donate to charities fighting the war on cancer.

THEY WERE SO MOVED BY THE JOY AND PLEASURE THEY GOT FROM HELPING OTHERS THAT THEY KNEW THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE HAD TO BECOME A WAY OF LIFE.

The following year, Ashley, Todd, and two friends decided to cycle from Halifax to Texas to raise additional funds for cancer-related charities. After telling a few friends of their plans, their little group of four quickly grew to 60 people. Four months later, 60 cyclists arrived safely in Austin, Texas and another $276,000 was donated to worthy causes. Ashley and Todd continually heard from people on the ride that the experience had affected them so much that they vowed to change their lives for the better – to become healthier, to give more, and to believe that they too could achieve extraordinary things. A foundation was formed and an association founded.

SINCE 2008 WE'VE RAISED MORE THAN $4.5 MILLION FOR A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT CAUSES.

In the years since that epic ride to Texas, GIVETOLIVE has become rooted in the belief that everyone can be happier and healthier through generosity, fitness, and the achievement of the extraordinary. Our family, friends, and the community have generously helped GIVETOLIVE projects raise over $4.5 million for numerous charities around the world that are combating unnecessary disease and suffering. We don’t plan to slow down.

“Having participated in 4 The BIG SWIM events, I have had the privilege of meeting a new community of like-minded people who want to achieve a personal goal, and at the same time raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause."

Randy Currie - Participant

WHO BENEFITS.

YOUTH AT RISK IN ANNAPOLIS COUNTY

Annapolis County has the second-highest child poverty rate in Nova Scotia at 33.7%*. That means that more than 1 in 3 children in Annapolis County live in poverty.

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BEATRICE HUNTER CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The BIG RIDE fundraising helps to support the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI) and the Cancer Research Training Program. Together, we are creating the health research problem-solvers of tomorrow, with visions of finding faster diagnoses, better treatments, and ultimately, cures for the complex disease that is cancer.

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BRIGADOON VILLAGE

The Brigadoon Children’s Camp Society and it’s dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to bettering the lives of children, youth and families living with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need in Atlantic Canada.

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AN AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

THE EMME AWARD.

The Emme Award is given to someone who completes all GIVETOLIVE events in one calendar year.

The first time it was awarded was in 2019 to a very special lady, and you guessed it, her name is Emme. In 2019, she took on The BIG CHILL’s 5km snowshoe course, The BIG RIDE’s 500kms 5-day cycle around the Gaspé Peninsula, and the 18kms swim across the Northumberland Strait as part of The BIG SWIM.

Along with training and participating in each event, she fundraised almost $10,000 for our charities that year!

MAKE THIS YOUR YEAR!

BIG CHILL

BIG RIDE

BIG SWIM

THE BOARD.

The GIVETOLIVE Board is comprised of a variety of past event participants, friends, and founders. The main role of the Board, other than its financial and legal responsibilities, is to ensure that each event that is run by GIVETOLIVE helps to accomplish the aims and objectives of GIVETOLIVE community.

TODD MCDONALD

Todd is the co-founder of GIVETOLIVE and was board chair in the early years of the organization. He has completed numerous GIVETOLIVE events including cycling to Texas three times, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI three times (no shark sightings yet) and finishing two Ironman triathlons. He lives life to the fullest with his wife and GIVETOLIVE co-founder, Ashley and is often seen at the office with his Goldendoodle, Pickles. Todd’s business background and leadership skills have taken GIVETOLIVE through 10 very successful years and his commitment to the mission and vision of the organization has provided many growth opportunities. Not afraid to take risks, many of the events have started with an idea of Todd’s. His belief in the ability of others and unwillingness to let obstacles get in the way has allowed GIVETOLIVE to execute its epic events.

ASHLEY WARD

As co-founder of GIVETOLIVE, Ashley is continually humbled by all the amazing individuals who contribute to the growth of the organization. Over the years she has been a part of most of the committees, lead organizer for the first five BIG RIDEs, and for several of the early years she worked full time on GIVETOLIVE in the role of Executive Director. Her institutional knowledge, background in event management, and commitment to the mission of GIVETOLIVE helps determine the strategic direction of the organization. Ashley was Co-Chair of The BIG WELCOME, which involved sponsoring and supporting a Syrian newcomer family who arrived in Halifax in November 2016. She has participated in most of the cycling events, only missing three over the years. Ashley’s broad experience with the events has helped to steer GIVETOLIVE through 12 years and fundraise almost $3 million.

PAUL MACQUEEN

Paul has been involved with GIVETOLIVE since the beginning. He has participated in every BIG RIDE, but has yet to do The BIG SWIM! His wife Ally, participated in The BIG SWIM in 2015 and Paul is the proud father of two children, Vedder and Parker. He was the Board Chair from 2015-2016, during which GIVETOLIVE added a new event, The BIG CHILL, sponsored a Syrian family via The BIG WELCOME initiative, and experienced continued growth of The BIG SWIM. Paul brings a business background, institutional knowledge of GIVETOLIVE, and strong relationships with many key GIVETOLIVE stakeholders to the Board of Directors.

MEG MACDOUGALL

Meg has been involved with GIVETOLIVE since 2011 and has been on the Board since 2013. She has participated in five BIG RIDEs and one BIG SWIM and was also the Co-Chair of BIG RIDE in 2014, which travelled from Ottawa to Halifax. Meg brings her solicitor skills to the table and her perspective from all events and the physical, mental and emotional challenges they offer. Meg’s organizational skills and legal background continue to strengthen the impact of GIVETOLIVE’s mission.

DAVID REGAN

Inspired by the many stories he’d heard from folks about how they had rose to one GIVETOLIVE challenge or another, David finally took the plunge and committed to bike the 500k Gaspé Peninsula in 2019 to mark his 50th birthday. In the spring of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown he and his wife accomplished an impressive list of virtual challenges, through GIVETOLIVE’s The BIG Boost. That steeled his sense that GIVETOLIVE helps each of us, while helping others. Later that summer he joined the Board and is excited about doing what he can to help spread a powerful idea.

YAZEED SOBAIH

Yazeed’s experience with GIVETOLIVE began as the organization’s first co-op student during his time at Dalhousie University. He helped Ashley, Todd and Paul with marketing and logistics of the Vancouver to Austin, Texas BIG RIDE in 2009. At the time he didn’t bike and didn’t even own a bike, but was somehow convinced to join The BIG RIDE after absorbing the energy of the team and participants. Even before working with GIVETOLIVE, he was involved with an independent fundraiser he founded called Frag For Cancer, a video gaming tournament to support the Canadian Cancer Society. Yaz’s marketing and social media experience have allowed GIVETOLIVE to reach more people. His fundraising and sponsorship background continue to help GIVETOLIVE achieve its important goals related to fundraising and expense ratios.

JAMIE TEALE

Jamie is a dedicated GIVETOLIVE member, having completed six BIG RIDEs, two BIG CHILLs, and served as the Board liaison for the BIG CHILL. After his Mom survived cancer, Jamie wanted to give back. Recognizing the power of fundraising as a reason for his Mom's win vs cancer. Despite 15 years off a bike, he tackled The BIG RIDE from Vancouver to Texas, loved it, and did it again the next year. His optimistic approach embodies GIVETOLIVE’s spirit—embracing challenges and making an impact. With a data-driven, marketing and evidenced based decision-making mindset, Jamie brings strategic thinking and leadership to the Board, ensuring GIVETOLIVE’s mission remains impactful and sustainable.

CARLA ROSS

Carla became involved with GIVETOLIVE in 2018, when she was recruited as Executive Director for the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI). Carla has volunteered twice and ridden twice in the BIG RIDE. Prior to joining BHCRI, Carla was the Director of the Medical Research Department Office within the Dalhousie Medical School, a role that supported clinicians, scientists and their trainees conducting a wide range of research. Over a career spanning 40 years, Carla developed innovated support programs as well as collaborations among researchers, health-care providers, government agencies and the charitable sector. Carla retired but retains a strong commitment to GIVETOLIVE. Carla brings to the Board many years of experience, insights, and connections with the research community and academic institutions in Atlantic Canada.

DAVID GRAHAM

David is the Vice President Advancement for StFX University and has over 30 years in management and executive roles focused on fundraising, operational excellence, government relations, and marketing communications. His involvement with GIVETOLIVE began more than 12 years ago with The BIG SWIM, when he was the CEO of Brigadoon Village and includes him also being a participant in that event. Something he identifies as a truly life-changing experience. David is excited to take on a new perspective with GIVETOLIVE through his work on the Board of Directors.

IT ALL STARTED

WITH A BIKE RIDE.

MISSION.

VISION.

THE STORY.

“Having participated in 4 The BIG SWIM events, I have had the privilege of meeting a new community of like-minded people who want to achieve a personal goal, and at the same time raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause."