The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation’s 1st Annual “Ride the River” Cycling Event Raises $100,000 for Brockville General Hospital
Pictured riding on the 1000 Islands Parkway wearing their Ride the River t-shirts are event co-chairs, Jane and Bob Clark. The 1st Annual Ride the River event was in memory of Dr. Don Smylie. All proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing medical equipment for Brockville General Hospital.
In early April 2021, the 1st Annual Ride the River Cycling event, in memory of
Dr. Don Smylie, “shifted gears” due to the new provincial COVID restrictions that were issued on April 8. Without hesitation, the planning committee transformed the event from a one-day in person event on the 1000 Islands Parkway to a week-long “create your own route” event (May 22 to May 30). The cycling event, conceptualized by the Smylie Family, and spearheaded by Bob and Jane Clark, saw over 100 riders participate in the event. Participants were encouraged to have friends and family support their ride. Many great prizes were donated with the top prize being an overnight Toronto/Raptors game package for the top earner (prize courtesy of Bob & Jane Clark), and a draw for an electric bike (prize courtesy of Teslica Bikes) for individuals who raised over $250. Other fun prizes were provided by the River West Co.
Joan Simon, Executive Director of the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) extended accolades to the presenting event sponsors, Parkstor, Fox Run by the River, the Clark Family and Smugglers Glen for assisting with funding this inaugural event. “The BDHF appreciates all of the riders, their friends and family members who supported the riders through pledges. The BDHF is also humbled by the last minute donations that the foundation received that helped the event organizers surpass its goal in raising $75,000.”