Carol Grandison

Carol Grandison hails from the hills of Jamaica. She didn’t own a bicycle until she was twenty eight years old, paid for in two installments. Her passion has only grown and is now the proud owner of four!

It was New Year’s Day of 2000 when someone asked her what her resolution was for the New Year. She decided in that moment that it was “to cycle to Montreal”. Encouraged by her peers, Carol gathered information and made the connection with PWA. The first encounter with the event was at the bike show where she registered and received a sleeveless t-shirt, which she has to this day! After gathering all the information, and full of resolve, she made her first donation to herself from a raffle she’d recently won. Carol wasn’t able to participate that year due to a change at work but she kept the event front of mind ready for another opportunity.  The next year when the weather warmed up, she dusted off her mountain bike out and made the commitment to do every training ride.

That first year, Carol learned what PWA is all about. And she was made to feel welcome. She made many friends and completed the arduous journey to Montreal, just like she had aspired to do.

The 25th Anniversary of the Bike Rally marks Carol’s 23rd year as a participant. In that time she has been both a rider and a crew member, a Team leader for two years, and a Board member for three years. What brings her back every year is;

“the testimonials from participants, the friendships formed, the endless work of volunteers, the remarkable change in peoples’ lives, and the community that’s been built over the years because of PWA.”

Carol remains committed to PWA and will remain so for as long as she is able.

“The work we all do for the people living with HIV/ AIDS is essential,” she says “is so rewarding and continues to change lives.”