The 2012 Lake Simcoe unites the Barrie community around a common goal on September 8th. Join us in Heritage Park September 8th as we fight hunger in the Lake Simcoe community.

This year we are registering teams to participate in a 20 kilometre social media photo contest. Starting out in Heritage Park and ranging around Kempenfelt Bay, we will be leveraging this event to raise awareness and funds for the Elizabeth Fry Society.

There has never been more demand at food banks than right now. A family going without enough basic nutrition - a family slowly starving, is something we hear about often in developing countries. But this is also an immediate reality in our own neighbourhoods; there are children going to bed hungry in our own backyard. Children are usually 2/3rds of all food bank recipients.

The Lake Simcoe Tour is only in its 3rd year. The LST partnered with the Sharing Place Food Bank in Orillia to raise over $2,000 in pledges for a 200 KM bike trek around Lake Simcoe in 2010. In 2011 the LST became a 76 KM round trip from Barrie to Orillia and back.

This year the Lake Simcoe Tour has evolved into a one-of-a-kind event: a 20 kilometre social media photo contest..

Teams upload scenic pictures to the Lake Simcoe Tour Facebook page.

Prizes will be awarded for the following contests:

A) Best scenic photo
B) Best overall collection
C) Fastest completion time
D) Trivia questions answered correctly
E) Heaviest social network impact

Although the format has evolved, the goal is the same: money for food for children that are hungry in our area.

The buying power of food banks is roughly twice that of the consumer. That's why we are collecting pledges from participants. All pledges go directly to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County.

Interested in dropping off a food donation? Want to find out more about volunteer opportunities? Donations can always be made online at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County.

If you have any questions regarding the ride or wish to volunteer your time and effort to this rewarding event please contact Ryan McClure, Executive Director, at (705) 796-0996; or email ryan@lakesimcoetour.com.