NEWS RELEASE
FOUNDATION OF GUELPH GENERAL HOSPITAL
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When the Tour de Guelph Committee met in March 2020, they knew that the traditional one-day event would not be possible with an expected 750 riders, all gathering together in one place on the fourth Sunday in June.
Like so many fundraising events, Tour de Guelph 2020 was at risk of being cancelled, meaning even more lost revenue for the many local charities that benefit from Tour de Guelph each year.
With this hard reality in mind, cancelling simply was not an option.
Tour de Guelph 2020 was adapted into a month-long event where individuals could register, fundraise and ride a route of their choice in a safe, physically distanced manner. People were also welcomed to walk or participate using their home exercise bikes and equipment.
An ambitious fundraising goal of $100,000 was set, and from Sunday, June 28 to Sunday, July 26, close to 300 riders and walkers came together, in spirit and in cause, and fundraised an amazing $105,000 in donations. Sponsorship support covered the expenses, which means this entire $105,000 will go to support Guelph General Hospital and other local charities.
“We have so much appreciation for everyone who participated. Despite the challenges and the changes to this year’s Tour de Guelph, they have shown what is truly possible when we come together as a community,” said Geoff Allen, Tour de Guelph Co-chair, Rotary Guelph South.
Proceeds from this year’s Tour de Guelph will fund new blood pressure monitors for the Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit. Proceeds will also support numerous charities throughout the community through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
Suzanne Bone, CEO, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital remarked “At the Foundation, our mission is saving lives and improving health, together with our community. Tour de Guelph is a perfect example of this. We are so thankful each and every year of the community support this event receives, and especially so this year.”
A key feature of the adapted version of Tour de Guelph was an online photo album that allowed participants to submit a photo so that they could still come together virtually. The album is hosted by GuelphToday.com.
Tour de Guelph is an annual cycling and fundraising event taking place each year on the fourth Sunday of June. It’s organized by the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, in partnership with The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. It has become a signature community event and fundraiser, and is made possible each year by the countless hours logged by Rotary volunteers, along side other members of the community.
“In its seven-year history, more than 4,000 participants have helped raise $560,000 for Guelph General Hospital and other important causes,” noted Clarence Haverson, Tour de Guelph Co-chair, Rotary Guelph Trillium. “Everyone who has ever participated as a rider, volunteer, or sponsor should feel incredibly proud about the impact this has had in our community.”
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