Thrifty Foods will be hitting the streets this weekend to help children and expectant moms.

Jeff Ackinclose, Thrifty Foods (Cliffe Avenue) store manager, is preparing to hop on his bicycle and ride to fundraise for YANA (You Are Not Alone) on Aug. 20, travelling from Courtenay to Campbell River and back within six hours.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing charity event that we do every year to raise money to help out children seek the medical help they need,鈥� Ackinclose said. 鈥淚t also helps pregnant women who need assistance from a different hospital than the one we鈥檝e got, including hospitals like Vancouver or another facility that can offer the necessary help, making the transition from medical treatment back home much easier and less stressful.鈥�

YANA is a community organization providing assistance to families residing in Comox Valley. It supports kids and expectant mothers who need to travel for medical treatment. The purpose is to enhance healthcare accessibility by providing financial support for travel expenses and accommodation.

Ackinclose and his teammates at Thrifty Foods are collaborating to reach this year鈥檚 goal of raising $5,000 for YANA.

鈥淥n Saturday (Aug. 12), we had a barbecue at the Thrifty Foods store on Cliff Avenue. We were doing it to raise money for YANA,鈥� he said.

鈥淲e also had Jet FM, which is the local radio station helping us send a message about what we were doing on that particular day and helping us celebrate the community coming together to raise money.鈥�

The staff have rallied behind me and are actively helping raise money. It鈥檚 not just myself doing it. It鈥檚 a team effort. I will be taking the 106-kilometre bike ride to Campbell River and back, but there鈥檚 a team behind supporting me to reach our fundraising goal.鈥�

Ackinclose is also surprised by the number of his staff members who have utilized YANA in some capacity to help obtain necessary medical attention for their family members.

鈥淎nyone who wishes to support can pledge,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople are pledging for me to ride, and they are donating whatever amount they find suitable and feasible. Some are also present to cheer us on and provide support for this incredible charity event. That鈥檚 pretty much the gist of it.鈥�

For those interested in supporting YANA, donations can be made online at

鈥淭hey can also donate at the store. Whether they鈥檙e shopping or just want to attach, it is an excellent way to contribute. They can also make a donation over the phone, 鈥� Ackinclose said.