Communter Challenge

"Commuter Challenge", May 28 2008

From June 1-7^th, the ACT Office (All-modes Commuting and Transport) on Campus is issuing a challenge to all students and staff at McMaster. Commute using ride-share, cycling, walking or public transit and your department can win prizes. Participate and you can win stuff too!

Some reasons to participate include cleaner air, helping to reduce climate change, increasing physical fitness, friendly competition, great prizes, and free food.

All you need to do is fill out a pledge form at Compass or the ACT Office (located in 1117 of Michael Degroote Centre for Learning [MDCL]). After handing in the form, you will receive an orange bracelet, Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet which is your opportunity to access activities put on by the City of Hamilton and the ACT Office.

So what can this bracelet do for you?

The first event is a free pancake breakfast from 7:30AM until 10AM on Friday May 30^th in MUSC (McMaster University Student Centre). Dr. Peter Peter George, McMaster President and Azim Kasmani MSU President will be there, and so will some other McMaster celebrities. In order to get the pancakes you must have an orange bracelet. If you haven't signed up for the challenge yet you can do so here. On Wednesday June 4^th you can take the HSR for free all day provided you wear your Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet. If you ride a bike, it is entitled to free repairs courtesy of MACycle CO-OP, June 2-6 from 11AM-3PM.

Even if you do not have a bracelet, you can come and check out some of the events. As part of the kickoff to the Commuter Challenge next week, there is an Active Transportation Fair in MUSC with information booths and vendors from 10AM-2PM on Friday May 30^th. The HSR will also have a bus with a bike rack, so you can try loading you bike on to it, without being gawked at by a busload of people. Wednesday May 4^th is Clean Air Day Celebration at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, where free newspapers and refreshments will be given away. And lastly is the Tally Finale at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, which lasts from 11AM-3PM, and will name the winner of the grand prize, as well as some secondary prizes.

The grand prize is a two-way business class roundtrip for two from VIA Rail anywhere in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Additional prizes from Marriot, Staybridge Suites, Sheridan Hamilton, Pieriks Cycle, HSR and Runner’s Den will be given away as well.

For more information, please go to http://ACT.mcmaster.ca, or go visit one of the lovely ladies from Compass. The Daily News also posted an article about it, which you can read here.