FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YMCA leader completes 275km off-road BC Bike Challenge and raises $15,215 for YMCA’s Youth Second Stage Housing Program
Ottawa, ON –July 18, 2025 – Morgan Bello, Vice President of People and Culture and Corporate Services at the YMCA, is back in Ottawa after taking on the legendary BC Bike Race to raise vital funds for the YMCA’s Youth Second Stage Housing Program. This challenging 275-kilometre off-road mountain biking course took place over seven gruelling days. Participants included 450 riders from 37 countries, such as Canadian Olympic cycling team members (source).
Morgan’s goal had been to raise $10,000. Thanks to community generosity, $15,215 was donated.
“Each day was a challenge for me,” said Morgan. “The ride was harder than I expected. I had a few falls. I broke my glasses, hit my head, bent my helmet and could have broken bones. There were times when I wasn’t sure I would come home in one piece. But I knew that I could not fail the Second Stage Housing Youth and the generous donors.”
As a VP at the Y, Morgan knew about the Youth Second Stage Housing Program, but the need for it didn’t hit home for him until one winter morning on his drive to work. He saw an unhoused youth walking on the sidewalk. Morgan turned around and offered him a ride. Their conversation during the next 15 minutes narrowed Morgan’s focus on making a difference for homeless youth in his city. “He came from a good family. He was a musician,” Morgan says. “It could be you. It could be me…I thought after that day that I could do something for them.”
The ride was more than just a physical test for Morgan—it’s a symbol of his personal journey to overcome significant health challenges. In 2021, Morgan was faced with a life-changing medical diagnosis that forced him to re-evaluate his own health, resilience, and ability to persevere. A mountain biking accident led to medical tests that uncovered a brain vascular malformation—a serious condition with risks of bleeding and seizures. Confronted with the harsh realities of his health journey, he realized how important it is to have support systems in place when facing adversity.
The YMCA's Youth Second Stage Housing Program offers vital housing and support to youth aged 16-24 who are at risk of homelessness. The program is critical in providing young people with safe housing, job training, education, and mental health support. The 17-bed program has always relied on donations to serve youth at risk of homelessness and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The program cannot meet its objectives without donor contributions.
Every dollar raised has been donated to the Y’s Second Stage Housing. Morgan’s goal was to inspire others to see their own resilience reflected in the youth who are part of this program, showing them that no matter the challenge, there is always hope for a brighter future.
Donations are still being accepted. Morgan invites the community to join this effort by donating to the campaign and spreading the word. For more details or to contribute, visit the JustGiving page.
About the YMCA National Capital Region
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. A focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life.
Media contact
Heather Badenoch, Village PR, heather@villagepr.ca, 613-859-8232