CN Cycle for CHEO raises $2M under bright skies

Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Bright skies and warmer temperatures greeted thousands of cyclists Sunday as the 18th annual Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s ‘CN Cycle for hit the roads and trails.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

In mid-afternoon, the online toteboard indicated the event was well over it’s $2-million target, with $2,022,447 confirmed in donations.

Article content

The event was created to raise funds for pediatric oncology care and research at the hospital.

Article content

The massive event began and ended at the Canadian War Museum, bringing participants far and wide across the capital. There were cycling routes, walking routes along the Ottawa River and entertainment and activities.

Article content

Ottawa Senators Community Foundation president Jacqueline Belsito took part in the 2K walk with Sens Tim Stutzle. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

The 15K cycle rolled out with perfect weather for a beautiful ride along the Ottawa River Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

In addition to the regular attractions, this year, CN Cycle for CHEO unveiled a 100K circuit for the first time. Called the “CN Century Ride,” the new route took 500 participants into stunning Gatineau Park.

Article content

On its website, CHEO hailed its three “ambassadors,” Charlie, Easton and Ibrahim.

Article content

“These young ambassadors and their families know first-hand what the patients at CHEO are going through. Their commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm inspires us all to support the crucial work devoted to ending pediatric cancer.

Article content

“The courage these young people bring to this event makes us so proud to present them to you,” says CHEO on its website.

Article content

Last year, the event raised a whopping $2.2 million, with more than 7,000 participants, despite rainy weather.

Article content

Photos by Ashley Fraser

Article content

Evan and Tamy Bell lost their son just before last year’s event, but this year, under a sunlit sky, their unwavering dedication shone just as brightly as they continued to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer in his honour. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Michael Meehan’s Minions team raised an impressive $21,550, rallying behind “Mr. Incredible” himself — Michael Meehan — who has courageously faced down cancer three times. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Five-year-old Easton Adams of Team East had a very powerful moment on stage when he rang the bell signalling his treatment has finished. Adams was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lympocytic Leukemia when he was just three years old. He will ring the actual bell at CHEO on May 14th. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Kyle Braatz, co-chair for the Kids These Days campaign with CHEO, rolled out with his three kids for the 2K walk Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk posed for a picture with 16-year-old Marc Racz, a member of Michael Meehan’s Minions team. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Kathleen Both of Carpe Diem and Tamy Bell from Griffs Gang shared a great big up on stage after the two teams tied for top fundraising. Both has two grandchildren battling cancer and Bell lost her son last year after a gruelling battle with the disease. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Tara Reid, director of corporate and community events at the CHEO Foundation and Emily Jameson, vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement at the foundation, share a moment as the see the hard work come to fruition as the more than $2 million cheque was flipped. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

The 15K cycle rolled out with perfect weather for a beautiful ride along the Ottawa River Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Carpe Diem and Griffs Gang tied for top fundraising team. Both families have faced childhood cancer head-on. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Janet Wilson rode the 15K on Sunday in honour of her late son, giving back to CHEO in gratitude for the care he received during his cancer battle. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

A cheque for $2,018,294 was flipped on stage at the end of the festivities Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Piper the dog was set and ready to roll with the fancy goggles while she was on her dad, Adam Frank’s back. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Griff’s Golden Family Fun Zone was the perfect place for children to have fun after their bike or walk. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Five-year-old Easton Adams of Team East helped rally all the participants with his awesome dance moves before the 2K got rolling. Adams has been battling B-Cell Acute Lympocytic Leukemia since he was three years old. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk posed for a picture with 16-year-old Marc Racz and his twin sister Meagan, members of Michael Meehan’s Minions team. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Steve Read, president and CEO of CHEO’s Foundation. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

“There is a lot of generosity on display today,” said CHEO president and CEO Vera Etches, praising the families who united to raise remarkable funds in support of childhood cancer care and research. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIAArticle content

Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.

Article content