In preparation for Durham Region’s premier cycling fundraiser, Ride the ‘Ridge, the Lakeridge Health Oshawa hospital is hosting a unique event aimed at spreading awareness about the upcoming ride. This event will directly benefit Lakeridge Health and support crucial healthcare projects, from cutting-edge equipment to enhancements in patient care.
On Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brian Bussiere and Marc Gibbons, two local community champions, will be cycling inside the hospital’s main lobby to rally support for the RBC Ride for the ‘Ridge. They will be joined by a few other participants, all cycling on stationary trainers, with their progress being tracked on a large screen for everyone to follow in real time.
Bussiere, a volunteer at the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre and a Lakeridge Health Board Member, along with Marc Gibbons, a Port Perry Hospital Foundation Board Member and a passionate patient advocate, will lead the charge. The event will attract attention from hospital staff, patients, and community supporters, who will cheer on the riders as they pedal to raise funds for vital initiatives at Lakeridge Health.
The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness for Ride for the ‘Ridge, which will take place on May 24, 2026, at the Ajax Downs racetrack. This cycling event has grown to become a key fundraising opportunity for Lakeridge Health, the main healthcare provider in Durham Region, supporting its five hospital sites, long-term care home, state-of-the-art surgical centre, and community locations.
The funds raised from the event will go directly toward improving patient care, purchasing advanced medical equipment, and supporting innovative technologies that make a difference in healthcare services. The ongoing challenge of funding healthcare has made events like Ride the ‘Ridge increasingly important as the need for financial support continues to grow.
The Lakeridge Health Foundation, alongside hospital staff and community members, is also joining the cycling event to raise awareness for the cause. Gibbons and Bussiere, known for their passion for improving healthcare in the community, hope that this creative initiative will inspire others to participate in the Ride the ‘Ridge event.
The hospital’s choice of holding the awareness event in its lobby is also designed to encourage public engagement and participation from patients and their families, showing that everyone can contribute to a cause that impacts their lives directly.
Ride for the ‘Ridge is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a community-driven movement to ensure that Lakeridge Health continues to provide top-tier medical care. The funds raised from this event, combined with the power of community involvement, will have a lasting impact on the quality of healthcare for everyone in Durham Region.
As the event date draws near, those interested in supporting or participating in Ride for the ‘Ridge are encouraged to register and participate in the various challenges and activities planned for the day. More details can be found through Lakeridge Health and its Foundation.
