June 4/07 9:14 am - Test of Metal Sets Record for Community Donations

Posted by Editor on 06/4/07
 

Test of Metal Sets Record for Community Donations

The North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal treasurer Stewart Kerr announced that the 2006 race set a new record amount of over $12,500 of donations to community groups.

"Each year the total that we have given away has increased," Kerr said, "and we're very proud of our contributions to the community."

The Test of Metal is a not-for-profit event and any proceeds from the race are returned to the community through charitable donations.

"We have donated over $35,000 in the past five years, and we've already started making some donations this year," said Kerr.

Kerr said that the goal each year is to improve the event and keep giving back to the community.

The money from the race entries and sponsorship are used first and foremost to put on the race. Expenses to put on a race of this size are significant and range from event costs, insurance and race administration to trail maintenance and prizing.

"We have a wonderful crew of more than 300 volunteers, some of whom spend more than 12 hours working on the race day alone. To show our appreciation, we provide each volunteer with lunch and a TOM volley t-shirt," Kerr explained. "We also hold a volunteer party as a celebration of their successes. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Test of Metal and they put on a great event."

Test of Metal has made donations to organizations as varied as SORCA, Squamish Emergency Program, Squamish Trails Society, both High School Mountain Bike Teams, prizing for the Elementary school age races, Team Squamish, Don Ross Outdoor Leadership program and the new Squamish BMX Club.

"We try to keep our donations focused on youth and outdoor activities," said Kerr.

Kerr also emphasized that the race-director and event committee do not receive any remuneration for their efforts.

"This is a volunteer organization and the organizers from [race director] Cliff Miller down are not paid for their time," he said. "The race is our way of giving back to the community and the sport that has given us years of pleasure and enjoyment."