Air Canada Vacations is encouraging the trade travel to help it support the 401 Bike Challenge, which benefits the Pediatric Oncology departments at Toronto SickKids, Ottawa CHEO and Montreal Children’s hospitals. ACV is the title sponsor of the event, which takes place Aug. 14-16.

The tour operator is also donating $10 to the hospitals for every Air Canada Vacations booking made on June 27. Bookings can be made through travel agents or at www.aircanadavacations.com.

This year’s ride will take place from Aug. 14-16. Riders can choose to participate in one of three rides:

• 3-day ride: Toronto to Montreal, 574 km
• 1-day ride: Cornwall to Montreal, 128 km
• New this year, 1/2-day ride: John Abbott College to Montreal Children’s Hospital, 33 km

“As the Title Sponsor of the 401 Bike Challenge, we would like to encourage others to take part in this rewarding journey,” says Nino Montagnese, VP of ACV. “(But) even if you’re not up for the ride, Air Canada Vacations will make a $10 donation to the cause for every tour or travel package booking made on June 27.”

First launched back in 2005, the event was created to raise awareness and funds to support the Pediatric Oncology Units of the Toronto SickKids, Ottawa CHEO and Montreal Children’s hospitals. To date, the initiative has raised close to $3 million dollars, helping to make a difference in the lives of children living with and beyond cancer.

To learn more about the 401 Bike Challenge or to donate, visit www.401bikechallenge.ca