GUELPH – The 12th annual Tour de Guelph is set for June 22 at the University of Guelph and is looking to build on a record-setting year in 2024.
Bike riders of all ages and abilities can join this community cycling fundraiser to raise money for Guelph General Hospital and local charitable programs supported by the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
Six cycling routes of varying distances are available, and all styles of bikes are permitted – including pedal assist e-bikes. Participants can complete their ride at any time, not just on the day of the event.
The Tour de Guelph raised a record $204,000 in 2024 and has collected more than $1.2 million since it launched in 2014.
Guelph General Hospital has used its share of the proceeds in the past to help fund IV pumps, ultrasound machines, ventilators, a CT scanner and MRI scanner, blood pressure monitors and other lifesaving devices.
This year the hospital will use donations to help fund an MRI machine at the hospital’s new community-based medical centre at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College.
Expected to open in December 2025, the medical centre will offer breast imaging, ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, and bone mineral density tests.
Future expansion will provide other outpatient services.
“All patient care equipment at Guelph General Hospital is funded by donations – and that’s something that might surprise many people to learn,” said Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, in a press release.
More than 30 other local organizations have also received funding from the Tour de Guelph in partnership with Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, including the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph, Guelph Youth Music Centre, and Diabetes Canada.
“The health-related impacts on our local community of Rotary’s share of the proceeds from the event are many,” said Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium member and Tour de Guelph co-chair Liz Fisk in a press release. “They include support for maternal and child health, special programing and assistive devices for individuals with special needs, poverty initiatives, food for homeless youth, and programs fighting food insecurity.”
Registration includes a complimentary barbecue lunch and families will also enjoy the Family Fun Zone with bike decorating, face painting and freezies.
For more information about the Tour de Guelph, including registration or to volunteer, visit tourdeguelph.ca.
