TEAM TrailBlazers
Mike Keith
Age: 57
Sled: 2026 Polaris VR1 850 dynamix
How many days to do 1000 Miles? 3
Hometown: Montague, Michigan
Mike Keith is brand new to the 1000 Mile Challenge and will be riding in the first USA version in the UP! Mike is no stranger to sledding, having 45 years experience and has done 4-500 mile days before. This is Mike's 6th year as a Polaris Ambassador. He is on the board of MISORVA and a trustee at Baldwin MI Trailriders snowmobile club. One of his favorite sledding quotes is "another day safety comes first
ride right and lead right."
Michelle Labadie
Age: 54
Sled: Polaris 850
How many days to do 1000 Miles? 3
Hometown: Gladstone, Michigan
Michelle has been riding for 50 years, broke a Guinness World Record as the only woman in a 608-mile endurance ride, and has given countless women and youth the confidence and joy of snowmobiling. Known affectionately as the “Sled Mom,” she brings speed, skill, and an overwhelming passion for inspiring others - especially women - to step into the sport boldly. Her message is simple: don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.
Arlon Springer
Age: 59
Sled: 2024 Polaris VR1 850
How many days to do 1000 Miles? 3
Hometown: Milton, PA
Arlon Springer of Pennsylvania, a rock-steady trail rider with 30 years of experience and a love for long, scenic pushes through favored places like Québec. Arlon brings a calm, easygoing style, mechanical know-how, and a love for helping kids who need the chance to experience outdoor adventure. He’s here for the miles, the challenge, and the friendships - old and new.
City skyline
Birthday Sparks
Fashion Magazine
Blurred Lines
Sponsorship Opportunities
Bronze Sponsor
$100
Plus tax
Perfect for small businesses or individuals who want to show support.
- Business or individual name listed on the official 1000 Mile Challenge website and event program.
- Recognition in a “Community Supporters” social media post.
- Option to include a small logo or message on the team’s “Support Wall” at the event basecamp or online tracker page.
Affordable entry point with visibility and public recognition for being part of the cause.
Silver Sponsor
$300
Plus tax
For local businesses who want visibility and connection.
Includes all Bronze benefits, plus:
- Logo placement on support vehicle trailer or team banner (if applicable).
- One dedicated social media shoutout (with tag and link).
- Option to include marketing material or coupon in rider welcome kits or online thank-you emails.
Tangible visibility on-site and online — helps drive brand awareness

Gold Sponsor
$500
Plus tax
For sponsors who want closer alignment with the riders and the event.
Includes all Bronze & Silver benefits, plus:
- Logo on a rider’s sled or gear (limited space, premium placement).
- 2 dedicated social media posts highlighting your business and your sponsored rider/team.
- Business featured in one event newsletter or post-ride recap email.
- Opportunity to provide a branded giveaway item (hats, stickers, etc.).
Direct, ongoing exposure through rider association and digital storytelling.
Platinum Sponsor
$750
Plus tax
For businesses ready to stand out and engage the community.
Includes all Bronze, Silver, and Gold benefits, plus:
- Medium-size logo placement on all official event marketing materials (posters, social posts, digital banners).
- Video feature: short “thank you” mention in a video recap or rider interview shared on social media.
- Opportunity to have your business banner displayed at event checkpoints.
- Inclusion in press releases or media mentions where possible.
Elevated visibility and recognition as a key supporter, with strong social and media presence.
Elite Sponsor
$1000
Plus tax
For sponsors who want significant visibility and leadership recognition.
Includes all lower-tier benefits, plus:
- Large logo on event materials, website header, and final video credits.
- Recognition as an Official Presenting Partner of a 100-mile leg of the challenge (e.g., “Leg 3 presented by Northern Outdoors”).
- Featured spotlight story or interview on event social media and newsletter.
- Option to co-brand a rider’s team gear (jackets, banners, etc.).
Premium brand visibility, storytelling opportunities, and leadership-level exposure.
Team Title Sponsor
$1500
Plus tax
For major supporters who want full brand alignment and top-tier visibility.
Includes all benefits from previous levels, plus:
- Naming rights to a rider or team (e.g., “Team MacLean’s Sports – Bobby & Jamie Dorion”).
- Exclusive brand feature across all event promotions, videos, and recap materials.
- On-stage or on-camera recognition during opening and closing ceremonies.
- Opportunity to host a checkpoint, event booth, or social activation.
Maximum exposure and association with the event’s success. Perfect for businesses that want strong brand storytelling and community leadership recognition.
Donations vs Sponsors
What is the difference? Sponsors are typically business who get marketing value for their dollars. Since this is considered a service (marketing), it is taxable and is not eligible for a charitable receipt. Donations are gifts given with no expecation of service. Donors will recieve a charitable receipt.
Why do we charge tax on sponsorships?
Even though we’re a non-profit, sponsorship payments are not considered donations when a business receives something in return—such as advertising, promotion, or other marketing benefits. Because this is a taxable supply of marketing services, the Canada Revenue Agency requires us to charge HST on those sponsorship fees.
Donations
The 1000 Mile Challenge Inc. is a non-profit business. It takes significant effort and time to become a Charity. Because we are not a charity we can not issue charitable receipts. However, we have partnered with Camp Shiktehawk who does have charity status. Camp Shiktehawk collects all donations for 1000 Mile Challenge Canada and all donors are issued a charitable receipt. Funds are held with Camp Shiktehawk and then distributed to other camps as directed by the 1000 Mile Challenge and our child registrations.
Will my contribution stay local?
It is the goal of the 1000 Mile Challenge to send kids to camp in the area of the sponsors/teams; should there be a demand for underprivledged kids in that area. Money raised by the 1000 Mile Challenge USA will be kept seperate from 1000 Mile Challenge Canada.
Will I receive a receipt?
Receipts are automatically generated and will be sent to your email. If for some reason you don't recieve a receipt, please email 1000mileteam@gmail.com
What is Canadahelps?
CanadaHelps is a national online platform that allows people to donate to registered Canadian charities easily and securely. They process the payment, issue official tax receipts instantly, and send the funds directly to the charity. It’s a convenient way to support causes and manage all your charitable giving in one place.