MINDEMOYA—The participants in the 24th annual Tour de Meldrum Bay ride have again raised a substantial amount of money for necessary hospital equipment for the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) Mindemoya Hospital.

“It will definitely be over $10,000 that we raise this year,” stated bicyclist Dale Scott, after the ride held this past Sunday, from Evansville to Meldrum Bay and return. “We haven’t collected all the funds raised by the riders, but it will definitely be over $10,000 and could be as much as $12,000-15,000.”

It was Mr. Scott, from Mindemoya, who, 24 years ago as a challenge to himself, rode his bicycle from Mindemoya to Meldrum Bay and back the same weekend.

While he completed the ride, Mr. Scott acknowledged at the time that it was a lot of work and that if he was going to carry out the ride again, he would ride to support a good cause. What came of that was the Tour de Meldrum Bay, which has continued since, with over $220,000 in funds being raised over the years, that go to the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC, through the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary) toward hospital equipment.

“There were three of us who took part in the ride the second year of the tour,” said Mr. Scott. 

“The ride will be about 100-110 kilometres in total,” said Mr. Scott. “We had 20 riders including four new riders take part this year,” said Mr. Scott. He explained funds raised, “will go toward IV Fusion Pumps (for both Island hospitals).” He pointed out Paula Fields, MHC president and chief executive officer took part in this year’s ride. 

Each rider fundraises, while local businesses have been very generous with donations over the years. Hospitals in Ontario are not funded for the purchase of new capital equipment, he pointed out. 

Ms. Scott pointed out funds from this year’s ride will be going toward IV fusion pumps at both hospital locations.

To donate by etransfer: MinHospAux@gmail.com or mail to Mindemoya Auxiliary, PO Box 284, Mindemoya, ON POP ISO (tax receipts will be issued for all contributions).