THUNDER BAY – It seems hard to imagine that, only five short years ago, the Caribou Charity Ride was first established. In its first year, the Ride raised $10,160 for the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Now in its fifth year, the Ride has, remarkably, reached a new single year fundraising total for the event – bringing in $42,000, with a five-year total of approximately $145,000. 100% of funds raised stay in Northwestern Ontario.
“Each year we keep setting our goal higher and higher,” said Event Co-Chair Jeff Hupka. “The riders and sponsors who join us for this event each understand the significance of the funds raised. There’s not one person on this Ride who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way and I know we all feel extremely proud to support our Regional Cancer Program to ensure that patients and families have access to exceptional cancer care close to home.”
This year’s Ride, held on Sunday, September 15, was hosted, once again at the Best Western Nor’Wester Hotel and Conference Centre on Highway 61. 430 cyclist took part in either a 50 km or 100 km route through the rolling hills of Oliver Paipoonge Township and returned to the hotel to stretch out tired muscles and have a hearty post-Ride lunch.
David Knutson, Chair, Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, joined riders for the 100 km ride. He commented, “I enjoyed participating in the Caribou Charity Ride today. It’s always a pleasure to take part in an event that promotes healthy lifestyles and cancer prevention. The Ride is very inclusive – there are cyclists of all ages and abilities. I think it speaks to our community spirit and shows how much we value having exceptional cancer care here in Northwestern Ontario.”
Due to the ongoing popularity and success of the event, organizers are already making plans for next year’s ride.
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