New Gran Fondo in Ontario raises more than $215,000 for local hospital

Inaugral Grey Highlands Gran Fondo raises more than $215,000 for the Grey Health Services Foundation’s Hospital in Markdale, Ontario

There were about 300 riders and 100 volunteers, and the celebratory spirit was in keeping with that of the typical Gran Fondo, from the group start (rather than a staggered one) to ending with a meal.

Starting and finishing in Markdale on Sept. 10, the event raised more than $215,000 for the Foundation, which supports the hospital in Markdale.

The Grey Highlands event had three lengths: 27 km, 70 km and 135 km. It was an Ontario Cycling sanctioned event.

In addition to their registration fees, riders were encouraged to raise $200 in sponsorship.

A prize of a barbeque was given to the rider with the highest sponsorship – Deb Fawcett of Grey Highlands, with more than $3,000. The team with the highest sponsorship was called Boneshaker Pannier, and brought in $10,000.

Riders included locals, but cyclists also from Sault Ste Marie, North Carolina, Calgary and Ottawa, as well as across southern Ontario.

100 percent of funds raised went to the hospital, event sponsors. Major sponsor, J.D. Smith Logstics Solutions took care of trucking logistics for Ice River Springs. They also entered a team in the event.

In a survey of participants, besides the beautiful course, riders most appreciated the enthusiastic volunteers.

New Gran Fondo in Ontario raises more than $215,000 for local hospital

Foundation executive director Darlene Lamberti gave credit to the many who pointed cyclists in the right direction and gave refreshments and encouragement at rest stops every 25 km. “They were great,” she said, "The response and support of the local community for the event is important to the Foundation, Lamberti said, as members are aware this is more a farming community than a cycling community."

Organizers tried to be good neighbours by using routes that were less travelled and putting signs warning drivers of possible delays in advance, giving the date of the Fondo.

In between the successful ride and the early-October announcement of the results, the Foundation was pre-occupied with the grand opening of the brand new hospital, which started full operations on September 24th. Health care takes ongoing support, and next year the Foundation is hoping to attract 500 cyclists.

“I think what makes it so great is every age group in the community can be involved,” Ms Lamberti said, "The youngest rider was 16 and the oldest was 79. The last across the finish line, going the whole distance of 135 km, was a man who has a prosthetic leg."

A generous sponsor multiplied the efforts of the fundraising ride. Trioff College, which provides onsite and online health care training, doubled the donations. “I’ll definitely be back next year, and I’ll bring my team,” said Ed Makarchuk, cyclist and sponsor.

Thanks to support given, the hospital will be able to buy two pharmaceutical automated dispensing units. The original goal was to raise enough to buy one, said the Foundation executive director, who was in awe of the success of the event.

“What a great event to be associated with. This will make a difference to the hospital” said Steve Croft, member of the JD Smith Logistics Solutions cycling team, and a presenting sponsor.

“The results of this event will have a lasting impact on local health care” Ms Lamberti said.

A 40-foot truck trailer wrapped with an colourful promotion of the Grey Highlands Gran Fondo will be rolling down the roads with a QR code for potential entrants for 2024.

A 40-foot truck trailer wrapped with an colourful promotion of the Grey Highlands Gran Fondo will be rolling down the roads