This year's Cycle for Central Alberta is bigger than ever before

It’s not too late to sign up for Cycle for Central Alberta. Cyclists all over Canada will be committing to a 12-hour virtual ride to help earn donations for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. 

 The event was started by Jason Ezeard who is a financial controller for the organization.  In 2020, Ezeard set out to do a 24-hour bicycle ride earning $5,000 for Central Alberta Health Care.  

“He did that in 2020 and that was more geared towards a personal goal, something that he wanted to do and it just kind of snowballed from there,” said Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

In 2021, 14 cyclists from all over Canada took part in a 12-hour ride earning nearly $25,000 but this year, the event is even bigger. 

“This is the first year where we're finally formalizing the event, and so it's getting people who are like-minded in terms of health and wellness to push their limits and ride for 12 hours. Then have people support them through financial donations to the hospital. It's been really fun to see some people want to attempt the 12 hours whereas others have put in a team so that they can share the time,” said Therriault.  

With the money that was donated in 2021, the foundation was able to purchase medical equipment such as Opthalmology instrument stands and procedure chairs, Sipap Ventilators, a TIMS Swallowing Station, Holter Monitors, Bladder Scanners and more. This year, they have a goal of fundraising $50,000. 

The bicycle ride will be done virtually on March 25th starting at 8AM and so far, the organization has over 40 people signed up to ride. However, some people will be opting to do the event outdoors. 

For more information, you can click here.