Best massage EVER!!

I recently volunteered as a massage therapist on a Fundraising bicycle ride from Toronto to Montreal. We gave 15 minute treatments to 300 riders every lunch and dinner for 6 days.

As the days went on the riders reported an interesting phenomenon. At the end of the massage a large majority would proclaim that "This is the best massage that 1 have ever received" To the extent that they would request business cards and even have their photos taken with their therapists.

Notwithstanding the fact that there were some top class therapists, I have concluded two co-relating factors that may have elicited this response.

1. The riders were incredibly warmed up after riding for a full day.

2. The riders were incredibly exhausted - resulting in a much easier 'letting go'.

And so, in 15 mins we were able to achieve results not possible in the standard 60 mins treatment!

How much is your pro bono worth?

I have a skill that can be monetized. This is not generally a good exercise because it takes away from the overall intention of volunteering. But there is a question I need answered at the bottom.

This is the money terms behind the People with AIDS (PWA) Bike Rally I just volunteered with.

We rode from Toronto to Montreal over 6 days massaging the bike riders every day at lunch and dinner. Each massage was 15 minutes in length.

Day 1: 8 Treatments
Day 2: 12 Treatments
Day 3: 6 Treatments
Day 4: 12 Treatments
Day 5: 12 Treatments
Day 6: 6 Treatments

Total Treatments of 15 mins x Average cost of treatment
56 x $20 = $1120 Pro Bono

Can PWA issue a tax receipt for this?


* All expenses were paid on this trip
* The work was extremely meaningful and satisfactory -Highly recommended volunteer op
* Some therapists may have gained clients out of this.