Lesley Carlberg (right) takes part in the Race for Dignity.

The bicycles were stationary, but participants reached the finish line several thousand kilometres away in Africa. Lesley Carlberg of Sutton Group – Quantum Realty in Mississauga, Ont. took part in the fourth annual Race for Dignity.  The event benefits Dignitas International, a non-profit organization.  This year, the goal was to raise $300,000, which would provide 1,250 HIV-positive Africans with medicine for a year. Carlberg and her team (named Wheel Women of the West) collected more than $6,000 with $1,500 coming from a luncheon organized by Lesley.

The Wheel Women of the West team consisted of a dozen women and teenage girls. They held their Race for Dignity at the Ontario Racket Club.  Carlberg kicked off the event with a comedy routine related to spinning.  (Last year, she tickled funny bones to raise money so that children with cancer could attend camp.)  She reminded everyone that although the causes are serious, having fun is a key part of fundraising.