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THE RIDE SURPASSES $11 MILLION RAISED FOR CANCER RESEARCH AT THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL


September 12, 2016



September 11, OTTAWA, ON – It was a powerful and emotional day as hundreds of cyclists embarked on a cycling adventure supporting cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital, contributing more than $1.31 million.

In the last seven years, THE RIDE has raised more than $11 million to support the cancer research team at The Ottawa Hospital as they focus on the use of viruses, cells, and genes to develop therapies that are considered to have the most potential for eradicating cancer.

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, says it was a rewarding day. “To see so many people dedicate themselves, not just to this one day event but to months of training and fundraising is exceptional. The money raised through THE RIDE is going to help revolutionize cancer research, improve treatment and hopefully very soon help us find a cure for this disease that affects so many people.”

THE RIDE is a journey which has been months in the making, with riders training for either the 50KMclosed route along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway or the 108KM scenic route which travelled through Kanata North, Carp and Dunrobin. Ultimately, each cyclist was participating in THE RIDE to ensure vital funds were raised to support innovative cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital.

Thirty-seven cancer survivors took part in this year’s event. Sindy Hooper, a pancreatic cancer survivor, inspired many riders moments before the start.

“The Ottawa Hospital has done so much for me and my family,” said the mother of two who participated in THE RIDE in 2010 before being diagnosed with cancer. “I’m so happy to be back once again to take on this challenge… and ultimately give back to this hospital and its staff.”

As title sponsor of THE RIDE for the last three years, Mattamy Homes has provided key support for this cycling event. Kevin O’Shea, Mattamy Homes Division President, says it’s motivating in so many ways. “Not only does it inspire our team because of the money raised for cancer research right here in Ottawa but THE RIDE also brings together our employees, their families and encourages improved health and wellness and participation in the community that we all live and work in."

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.2 billion.

Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

From the compassion of our people to the relentless pursuit of new discoveries, The Ottawa Hospital never stops seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital visit ohfoundation.ca.

The Ottawa Hospital: Inspired by research. Driven by compassion


The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care. See www.ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.

University of Ottawa


The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca

Media Contact: Shelley McLean, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation; shmclean@toh.ca; 613-798-5555 x 19816; 613-324-4466 (cell)