ELORA – Tour de Elora is back for its fifth year -–stronger, better and with another great new addition, officials say.
There will be a family friendly kick off on Sept. 27 from 11am to 2pm at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
This year the event is expanding to include youth 12 and under and is continuing with the participation of four-legged “fur babies,” which was popular last year.
Once again, the “10 for 10” will be held in October, aiming to raise $10,000 and reach 10,000km through walking, running or cycling.
All proceeds from the event will support the Cancer Centre at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), formerly Grand River Hospital.
Officials say it is easy to participate: “just log your kilometres and put them towards the collaborative 10,000km goal, then encourage sponsorships and donations for your efforts.”
“The Tour de Elora started as a tangible way to help other cancer patients undergoing treatment and recognize the exemplary staff and volunteers that work tirelessly every day at the Cancer Centre at WRHN,” states Tour de Elora founder Gillian Alton, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31.
“Our community is lucky to have such amazing care close to home. Every step and every dollar counts to help those in our community dealing with cancer.”
To date, the local fundraiser has raised over $35,000.
“Events like the Tour de Elora are so important to local healthcare because funds raised help elevate patient care in real and direct ways,” said vice president of strategic initiatives at the Waterloo hospital foundation Ashley Howat.
Howat said the Ministry of Health does not cover the cost of new or replacement equipment, “so every donation from the community really does make a difference in someone’s care.”
As well as sponsorships for kilometres, there is a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
For the full list of raffle prizes and business supporters or to purchase tickets visit tourdeelora.ca.
Prizes will be awarded for:
– the “Solo Sprinter;”
– the “Team Torque;”
– “Little Spokes” for youth under 12; and
– the “Tour de Paws” for furry friends.
The kick off event will include a scent detection demonstration with the dogs from Mayrich Kennels at 11:30am and 1pm.
The bike parade begins at 1:30pm and wrapping up the day will be the announcement of the Tour de Elora 2025 mascot at 1:45 pm.
Throughout the event there will be fun for the kids with face painting, crafts, food (for purchase) and more.
Also that day, learn how to sign up, check out items for purchase to support the fundraising efforts and preview the auction prizes available from local businesses.
Tour de Elora officials will be at the Elora Market on Sept. 20 to answer questions ahead of the kick off.
For more information visit tourdeelora.ca.
