Durham Region’s largest community cycling fundraiser is returning this weekend as organizers aim to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local hospital care.
The annual Ride for the Ridge fundraiser will take place Sunday at Ajax Downs racetrack, bringing together cyclists, families, hospital supporters, and community members from across Durham Region.
Organizers say the Ride for the ’Ridge fundraiser supports Lakeridge Health and its five hospital sites by helping fund essential medical equipment, technology upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and patient care enhancements.
This year’s fundraising goal has been set at $400,000, more than double the amount raised during last year’s event.
As of Thursday, nearly $140,000 had already been raised ahead of the event, with organizers expecting additional support throughout the weekend.
The RBC Ride for the ’Ridge will feature multiple cycling routes designed for riders of different experience levels. Participants can choose from 10-kilometre, 25-kilometre, 60-kilometre, and 100-kilometre rides.
The starting and finishing point for the Ride for the ’Ridge fundraiser will be Ajax Downs, while longer cycling routes will travel through scenic roads in Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Scugog, and Clarington.
Event organizers expect more than 400 riders to participate in this year’s fundraiser.
The first cycling group is scheduled to depart at 8:15 a.m., while the Family Ride will begin at 10:30 a.m.
In addition to cycling activities, the event will include entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly community programming throughout the day.
Lakeridge Health officials say the Ride for the ’Ridge fundraiser continues to play an important role in strengthening local healthcare services throughout Durham Region.
Funds raised through the event help support investments in hospital equipment, patient services, healthcare innovation, staff education, and infrastructure improvements across the hospital system.
Earlier this spring, hospital board members and supporters participated in a promotional indoor cycling challenge at the Oshawa hospital site to raise awareness for the fundraiser and encourage community participation.
“Ride for the ’Ridge brings together communities across Durham Region to support patient care across the Lakeridge Health system,” organizers stated in a release.
Healthcare fundraising events like the Ride for the ’Ridge fundraiser remain important for Ontario hospital systems as healthcare providers continue investing in modern technology and expanded patient care services.
Community fundraising initiatives help hospitals purchase specialized medical equipment and improve care experiences that may not always be fully funded through provincial healthcare budgets alone.
As participation continues growing, organizers hope this year’s Ride for the ’Ridge fundraiser will set a new fundraising record while bringing communities together in support of local healthcare services.
Residents interested in participating or donating can find additional information through official Lakeridge Health fundraising channels.
