The Food Cycle Ride Committee would like to extend its deepest appreciation for the contributions so many people made to the success of the Food Cycle Ride.
From the Elora Public School over 120 riders set off, bolstered by cheers, pledges and donations from family, friends, and co-workers: Some riding 70 or 35 kilometre road routes; others taking advantage of a community treasure, the Elora- Cataract Trailway, to ride up to 40 kilometres. Together they raised $12,000 for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
The Food Cycle Ride was made possible by the efforts of over 50 volunteers, as well as by our generous sponsors who helped pay for the event, so that all the proceeds could go to the Food Bank to support its community kitchen. Special mention should be made of our principal sponsor, BMO Nesbitt Burns, who matched the first $6000 of donations and pledges raised by the riders. Gold-level sponsors included the Grand River Agricultural Society and Raceway, the Fergus Legion, the Fergus and Elora Lions Clubs, and Anytime Fitness in Fergus. (See elsewhere in the paper for a list of all our sponsors.)
This year’s Food Cycle Ride culminated in a delicious lunch prepared and served by the dedicated volunteers of the Centre Wellington Food Bank. What better way to demonstrate the capacity of the Food Bank to provide nutritious meals, not only to those who rely on the Food Bank, but also to groups who, in turn, contribute to the wellbeing of our community. And our resident musicians, Terry Golletz, Mary Vandermarel, and Rob Morris created a party atmosphere in which to celebrate a sense of community. The day was topped off by a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new community garden initiated by the Elora and Salem Horticultural Society. All in all, a great day for food security.
Everyone there experienced the true meaning of community and we want to express our deepest gratitude for their willingness to join in and help out.
Harvey Thomson
Food Cycle Ride Committee
Harvey Thomson