Tour de Guelph supports health and wellness in Guelph-Wellington
The 12th annual Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd. will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025. All ages and abilities can join in this community cycling fundraiser with routes from 5km through the Village by the Arboretum to the Paisley Dental sponsored 113km as well as plenty of opportunities to volunteer, donate and sponsor.
Since 2014, community members and corporate teams within Guelph-Wellington have been riding their bikes on the fourth Sunday of June in support of Guelph General Hospital and numerous local charitable programs that support the wellness of our community through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. To date the event has raised over $1.2 million in net proceeds for these causes.
The hospital’s share of the event proceeds have helped to fund Interventional radiology, IV pumps, ultrasound machines, ventilators, the current CT scanner, a centralized cardiac monitor, blood pressure monitors, the current MRI scanner, OR equipment and colonoscopes.
“All patient care equipment at Guelph General Hospital is funded by donations – and that’s something that might surprise many people to learn,” explained Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. “This year, our portion of the proceeds will be used to help bring a much-needed second MRI to our community by supporting the start-up patient care equipment needs of the hospital’s new community-based medical centre.”
In December, Guelph General Hospital announced plans to open a new medical centre at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College. Fully managed and operated by Guelph General Hospital, the centre will initially offer breast imaging, ultrasound, x-ray, MRI and bone mineral density tests. In the coming years, the centre will expand to include additional outpatient services.
Beyond the hospital, the impact of Tour de Guelph is far reaching throughout the community as Liz Fisk, Tour de Guelph (TdG) Co-chair and Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium member remarked, “The health-related impacts on our local community of Rotary’s share of the proceeds from the event are many. They include support for maternal and child health, special programing and assistive devices for individuals with special needs, poverty initiatives, food for homeless youth and programs fighting food insecurity.”
Registration for the 12th annual Tour de Guelph is open at TourdeGuelph.ca. Event organizers welcome all community members to participate as well as community groups and local businesses to volunteer or register teams, fundraise and enjoy a bike ride together to make a positive impact in their community.
There are six cycling routes that vary in distance, including one multi-surface route. There is also “ride anytime” option for those who are not able to ride on the event day. The 5/10 km routes take place through the quiet streets of The Village by the Arboretum, ideal for young families or those who feel more comfortable away from roads with busy vehicle traffic. All styles of pedal bikes are permitted including pedal assist e-bikes. Volunteering at the event is also a fun and meaningful way to participate.
Rest stops are along all routes 25 km and longer. With thanks to DENSO Manufacturing Canada, the event’s Snack & Hydration sponsor, hydration and snack options will be available at the event site.
All rides depart from and return to the University of Guelph where there is ample free parking. Registration includes a complimentary BBQ lunch provided by Harvey’s Restaurants of Guelph. Families with young children will also enjoy the Family Fun Zone with bike decorating, face painting and freezies. All riders can have their photo professionally taken on the Finishers’ Podium which will be published in an online photo album on GuelphToday.com
The Village of Arbour Trails has returned as the Fundraising Rewards Sponsor, making available for free, the coveted custom Tour de Guelph jersey or the new Tour de Guelph hoodie for anyone who fundraises $300 and up. Volunteers are also needed for set up, take down and during the event. Full event details can be found on the Tour de Guelph website at www.tourdeguelph.ca.
