Tour de Guelph raises over $227,000 with over 900 riders

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Tour de Guelph, co-presented by Denso  and Label Design Ltd., raised $227,000 for The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and local initiatives through Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.

Over 900 riders pedalled through Guelph and surrounding regions on June 28, marking what organizers call the largest turnout in the event’s history. 

With riders crossing the finish line, and over $227,000 raised to date, the 13th annual event was very close to the goal of raising $230,000 in net proceeds by July 12.  

Proceeds from this year’s ride will help fund the expansion of Guelph General Hospital’s Speedvale Campus – which will house endoscopy and fracture clinics – as well as local organizations supported by Rotary.

“Seeing more than 900 riders come out to support Guelph General was incredibly powerful,” said Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. “Every rider, donor, volunteer and sponsor who came together for Tour de Guelph are directly helping strengthen healthcare in our region; we’re so close to our goal and every donation counts.” 

In a media release, it states this year’s record-breaking ridership reflects how the Tour de Guelph has grown in its 13 years, and how the event itself has evolved to match. 

For the first time, the event took off from the University Centre at the University of Guelph, providing space for riders, sponsors and local businesses. The new location also introduced a Vendors’ Village featuring cycling groups, homegrown businesses and healthcare providers for riders and the community members to enjoy before and after the ride. 

“Rotary has been an integral part of Tour de Guelph since day one, and that commitment only continues to strengthen,” said Liz Fisk, Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium and Tour de Guelph co-chair. “Every year, more than 100 volunteers show up to make this event possible. That kind of people power exemplifies service above self which is what Rotary is all about.”

That same spirit of service was exemplified as Rotary partnered with co-presenting sponsor Denso Manufacturing Canada to donate 15 bikes to local organizations through Denso ’s Build-a-Bike program.