When 850 cyclists descend on a community to take part in a Gran Fondo what does it mean to local health care and the local economy? It means a major difference is made.
On the weekend of August 16th – 18th (2024), the Grand Fondo Lake Huron in support of the local Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, began at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday morning when hard-core cyclists began a one-day 110km ride, followed by a first-time gravel ride at 7:30 a.m., a 70km ride at 8:00 a.m. and then 30km and 10km rides.
“The number of cyclists this year is phenomenal,” said Hospital Foundation Chair, Martha Bennett. “We even had to cut the registration off for the 30km ride as we were at capacity numbers. It’s a wonderful problem to have. We thank our sponsors who make it possible to give 100 per cent of the money raised to the hospital. As for the cyclists and volunteers, they are ‘the heart of the ride’.”
Each rider had to register and most also fundraised to take part. With every ride corporately sponsored, it mean that every dollar raised by riders went to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation for two state-of-the-art mammography units.
Along the route, family and friends lined the streets to cheer on the riders while rest stops provided water and snacks.
The Town of Saugeen Shores, OPP and local Police played a key role along with many volunteers as they monitored road closures and helped direct traffic and cyclists.
Volunteers – for larger view, click on image
The rides began on High Street in Southampton between Albert St. (Hwy. 21) and Victoria Street promptly at their designated times and ended at the finish line between Albert and Grosvenor Streets.
Once all rides were completed, riders moved into the Southampton Coliseum for lunch, prizes and awards, that included individual and corporate fundraisers along with many other awards, including for youngest and oldest cyclists.
In the Coliseum, it was a chance for all the riders, individual and teams, to come together and congratulate each other for their accomplishments in their fundraising efforts.
Emcee, James Scongack, pointed out that every dollar raised goes directly to local health care. “Our platinum sponsor RBC has been the bank sponsor for the event.”
Claude De Mone, Regional President Southwestern Ontario said, “Local health care matters and that’s why we are here. We understand how important our local hospitals are.”
The 2024 Gran Fondo Lake Huron raised more than $400,000, with a final total yet to come following the continuation of the day with the Wild West Casino held that same night (Sat. Aug.17th).
Recently appointed Foundation Executive Director, Graham Martin, added that he felt privileged and humbled by the generosity of Bruce Power and its suppliers and everyone involved in the Gran Fondo. “Each and every person is making a huge difference in our local health care.”
Ann Ford, CEO of Brightshores Health region said that, “Ninety per cent of health care takes place in community hospitals and hospitals cannot survive without the support of volunteers. Support for health care in Saugeen Shores and across the region is undeniable.”
A community challenge went out this year between the Saugeen Shores Firefighters and the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks WOAA hockey team. The firefighters won the challenge raising more than $12,000 while the Winterhawks, according to a source, raised $6,000.
The largest group, both in numbers of cyclists and dollar amount raised was once again, The Brady Bunch.
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