Following another record-breaking year from the Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope fundraising drive, its organizer pitched to Penetanguishene council a proposal that the one-day cycling event could become part of a larger community weekend-long festival, with the assistance of the town.
As the largest fundraiser for the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre in Penetanguishene, the mid-August event brought in over $167,000 for the organization, with a record number of 272 participants according to executive director Eric Walter.
“We didn't get a good count on the actual people, spectators and supporters,” said Walter, “but we estimated that to be about 80 to 100 additional people on site there. And it was truly, truly just an incredible event.”
Walter made a presentation to Penetanguishene council recently, reporting on the success of the event as well as projecting its path of growth. His slideshow presentation noted the ride originated in 2012 as Cycle Camelot before its 2022 rebranding to Cycle for Hope, and had raised over $700,000 for the facility since its inception.
“Approximately 60 per cent of participants reside within 30 minutes driving distance of the start location, which means 40 per cent of those people are people that are coming from out of town to experience the event for the first time,” said Walter.
Of that majority, “when they have that cancer diagnosis, they're staying in this area because they can afford to now because they no longer have to worry that treatment is hours away, because we'll support them through that.
“They don't have to worry that resources aren't around.”
A push to include Collingwood on the route was a major factor in the record-breaking success, said Walter, along with partnering with cycling-associated businesses.
“We really wanted to capture those people outside of this area and bring them in, and it's been working. It’s just world class cycling and landscape, and we see that in the responses from people,” Walters noted.
He informed council that riders from as far as Michigan had made the trek to join in on the six different routes, ranging from hardcore cyclists to families walking to local restaurants for ice cream and back.
By praising the local attractions and giving an overview on the increasing success of the event, Walter reached the conclusion to his presentation, which asked Penetanguishene council to consider making Cycle for Hope into a weekend-long festival.
“This year if you were at the ride you saw tents, music, businesses, activities, and lots and lots going on – and that's something we really want to expand on, to help increase participation awareness and just give people something really great; a great experience," said Walker.
“We're seeking support and resources to add to that community festival that will be built around this event, so that when we have our team of volunteers who are arranging live entertainment, lunch, vendors and all these things, we’re able to work with the town," said Walker.
"Bring somebody on to our team to help create an incredible event around what is already an incredible event, and hopefully engage more participants, more residents, and more visitors in what is becoming the premier cycling event in the area.”
No decision was made by council following the presentation as it was received as information only and possible consideration at a future committee of the whole meeting.
Mayor Doug Rawson said: “It's tremendous to see the uplift they have had over the last several years, so great job and thank you for the work you do in supporting the community.”
Prior to Walter’s presentation, an announcement from Coun. Suzanne Marchand was made to promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Marchand placed a pink pumpkin on the council shelf in front of her from the centre’s other fundraiser, Paint the Town Pink, while announcing that she was not only a supporter but also a previous breast cancer survivor.
“(As) someone who’s celebrating nine years, this is something that’s really near and dear to my heart,” said Marchand who included an immediate family member that passed from the disease. “Take a moment, support the Cancer Support Centre, wear pink this month, and tell the people you love to get their breasts checked.
“I’m really pleased to announce (from) the Ontario government (as of) October 8 that breast cancer screening can start at the age of 40. No referrals required. Early screening means early detection and higher survival rates.”
The Cycle of Hope presentation and slides can be located on the agenda page of the Town of Penetanguishene website.
Meetings of Penetanguishene council are held on the second Wednesday of each month, and can be watched live on Rogers TV cable 53 when available, or on the Rogers TV website.
Archives of council meetings are located on the Town of Penetanguishene YouTube channel.
