19 October 2022
Mindemoya, ON – Recently 24 cyclists and 5 support personnel (transportation of supplies; luggage, etc; vehicle courier over gravel sections; food and water vehicle) participated in the 21st annual Tour de Meldrum. Most of the riders were from Manitoulin Island, but there were also participants from Sudbury and Espanola.
The ride kicked off in Mindemoya as the cyclists made their way to Meldrum Bay, a staggering 103km journey. The exhausted, but elated participants, enjoyed the ambience and generosity of Bob and Shiren Grover, the proprietors of the Meldrum Bay Inn. The following morning, the cyclists then made their way back to Mindemoya. The round trip is just over 200 kilometers, not for the faint of heart!
This year’s ride raised $16,260.00 for the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary which was immediately donated to the Manitoulin Health Centre and the Let’s Emerg Together campaign, the renovation and expansion campaign at the Mindemoya site. Over the two plus decades, Tour de Meldrum has raised in excess of $150,000 for the Manitoulin Health Centre. The annual event is the brainchild of Dale Scott, a retired veterinarian from Manitoulin. In the inaugural year, Dale was the lone rider in the event.
According to Dale Scott, “I am always inspired by the dedication and commitment of the riders who participate, some annually! I was amazed to see over $16,000 raised towards the Let’s Emerg Together campaign. This was made possible with each rider’s fundraising efforts as well as corporate, business, private and municipal contributions. I am thankful to everyone who came together in spirit and generosity to make this happen”. Dale and all the riders would like to thank the Silver Water United Church Auxiliary who provided a monetary donation and, also generously prepared and delivered lunch to the hungry riders.
Paula Fields, President and CEO, and Tour de Meldrum participant said “Events of this nature don’t just happen, it takes a lot of dedication and commitment. Thank you to Dale and Holly Scott, the Central Manitoulin Lions Club and the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, the corporate sponsorship and to everyone who helped organize or participated. Yet again, the Manitoulin community stepped up. The Board, Senior Team and staff of MHC appreciate the continued priority our community makes for health care on Manitoulin! I look forward to being able to welcome the public soon into the newly renovated and expanded space in Mindemoya.”
For media inquiries:
Kelly Timmermans
Communications and Development Co-ordinator
Manitoulin Health Centre
(705) 368-2300, ext 2335
Pictured above, left to right: Eric Theriault, of Corporate Support Services and Chief Financial Officer, MHC; Paula Ferguson, VP of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, MHC; Paula Fields, President and CEO of MHC; Dr. Dale Scott, Tour de Meldrum Lead Organizer; Judy MacKenzie, President Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary and Marcus Mohr on behalf of Central Manitoulin Lions Club and the Municipality of Central Manitoulin.
The Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is a two-site small rural hospital serving the people of Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). We are proud to operate on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek people. MHC is committed to ongoing action, awareness, and education that build on reconciliation efforts, and to work against anti-Indigenous racism. We honour the land and First nations presence, practices, language, ceremonies and protocols.
