How to get involved

Ilan Levy and Tom Affleck pose with Engel's bike in Monte Olivo, Nicaragua

Ilan’s ride across Canada and the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign starts in just a few short days.  Ilan has landed in Vancouver, and is going through the final steps of preparation before heading out on the 7th of June.

For regular followers of this blog, you will have a good handle already on the numbers behind the ride:

• 8000+ km
• 10 provinces
• 81 days
• Goal of $100,000 to provide 8000 educational packages and to build 8 classrooms in Nicaragua

Many of you might not be aware of the different ways you can get involved in the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign.  Involvement can go way past a simple donation (which is always appreciated – To donate, click on the following link).  Involvement can include volunteering, and also spreading the word about SchoolBOX and the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX.  Remember that SchoolBOX has grown and developed because of people just like you!  Please see below for the top 5 ways to help SchoolBOX reach their goals during the campaign:

1) Talk to your workplace, local church or community association about the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX.  Take 5 minutes out of your day to speak to people and spark their interest in SchoolBOX.  Raising awareness is half the battle, and you will empower many people to help out. We have provided a copy of the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX Pledge form that can be used to collect donations.  Please click here

2) Dinner with Ilan – Ilan is available to dine with you and your closest friends at your home if you live in a city in which he stops at for the night.  Remember, there is a small fundraising component to this event.  SchoolBOX is also very happy if local media is invited to the event.  An anonymous donor will match all donations from your Dinner with Ilan event.  For more details, click on this link:  https://schoolboxca.wordpress.com/get-involved/dinner-with-ilan/.

3) Promote SchoolBOX through local and national media.  If you have contacts with radio or tv stations, magazines or newspapers, or any other medium, please let them know about SchoolBOX and the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX.  Please take a look at our media section for our press kit that contains pictures, videos, sound bites, and links that will provide more details on the the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX.  You can also access the press kit by clicking here

4) Run your own event.  Be creative!  You can raise money and awareness though many different ways: garage sales, car washes, coffee house music nights, pub nights, etc.  Organise an event in your community and make important connections while helping SchoolBOX at the same time.  Remember that all events are subject to matching funds through an anonymous donor.  SchoolBOX is always willing to help with your event.  Please contact Jon – jon@schoolbox.ca for more details.

5) Invite your friends to like SchoolBOX on Facebook.  With every like we have, we get a donation of 2 bucks.  This is a simple way that you can help raise funds and make an impact for the children of Central America.  Send an email out to friends, post the link www.facebook.com/schoolboxhelps on your wall.  Help promote what we all believe in!