The Gran Fondo Lake Huron was a big success over the weekend.
The fundraising event for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation brought together more than 900 cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters this weekend.
The big ride saw cyclists come from across Ontario, and even one rider who was from Colombia.
Executive Director for the foundation, Tracy Murray, said that while the event has participants from Grey and Bruce Counties, but from further away as well.
“It’s always amazing to see the participant list and see people come from everywhere far and wide,” Murray said. “We typically have a couple people come from the States, we’ve had people in previous years come from other provinces. It’s always great to know that people are here to take part in the event, and they always marvel at the beauty of Bruce County.”
Cyclists are able to choose which of the six routes they’re going to ride, ranging in distance from 10 kilometres to 110 kilometres.
This year’s event raised $430,000 in support of the foundation, which Murray says is a big boost to their annual fundraising efforts.
“We have to raise about $3 million a year now to keep up with demand and need for equipment at our hospitals at Brightshores Health Systems, so it is a positive, positive impact for local care for people in our region in Grey and Bruce Counties. We’re always grateful every year for the event. It’s like a big family reunion every year, and to see the fundraising efforts that go into it – just phenomenal.”
The money raised this year will be used to purchase automatic dispensing units that hold and dispense medications so that pharmacy and nursing staff can ensure accurate and timely patient care, and improve the patient experience.
Gran Fondo Lake Huron was first held eight years ago. Since its inception, the event has raised over $2 million for local healthcare.
The planning for next year’s event is already underway.
Anyone interested in participating in the big ride next year can go to GranFondoLakeHuron.ca or contact the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation office if they’re looking to volunteer.