On Wednesday, the United Way KFL&A team and community partners gathered in Springer Market Square to launch a new fundraising event for the community.
The 30-seat MEGABike held local organizations that support United Way as they took turns pedalling through three kilometres of Kingston’s downtown core.
John DiPaolo, president and CEO of United Way KFL&A, spoke about the inspiration behind the event in an interview with YGK News.
“We thought it would be a great opportunity in July to get people out and excited to do something together,” said DiPaolo.
DiPaolo explained that July is a quieter month for the United Way, and they wanted to create a fun summer activity for local companies to enjoy a team-building event. MNP, McDougall Insurance, and Kingston Health Science Centres were among organizations in attendance.
Riders had the opportunity to raise money for the United Way through pledges. Participating organizations also donated $1,500 dollars and were able to showcase their logos during their ride.
“I think it was really successful in the first year; it’s certainly going to raise some money for our community, but most of all it certainly created team spirit and community spirit,” said DiPaolo.
Krista Wells Pearce, 2026 campaign chair of the United Way, was in attendance and detailed the importance of community ahead of the United Way’s fall campaign.
“Our slogan is ‘To Help Change our Tomorrow Today,’ and it’s through the excellent work that the community does in the fall to raise all of this money,” said Wells Pearce.
United Way staff handed out branded flags and sunglasses to riders before they headed down King Street.
United Way staff showing their support at MEGABike event (YGK News/Meaghan Beavis)
“The goal is to get as many people out having fun today and then obviously raising awareness about the United Way and the agencies we support,” said Wells Pearce.
Food trucks and restaurants downtown showed their support by offering discounts to attendees and donating a portion of their event sales to the United Way. Kingston Police and Kingston Fire and Rescue were also on site to cheer on riders.
United Way will announce the total fundraising figure from the event in the coming days. The fall 2026 United Way campaign will start on Sept. 10, 2026.
