'It's amazing to see so many people coming together': CN Cycle for CHEO raises record $2.175 million
More than 7,000 participants showed up for the 17th annual CN Cycle in support of CHEO to raise funds, despite the rain in Ottawa this Sunday.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The CHEO Foundation says it raised a record $2.175 million that will go towards research and clinical care in its oncology department.
"This massive show of support from our generous community to the children, youth and families facing cancer is humbling, inspiring, and deeply appreciated," read a news release from CHEO.
President and CEO of CHEO Foundation, Steve Read, told CTV News Ottawa’s Jackie Perez this year was a total success.
"This is our largest fundraiser for oncology. So, what we're able to do with our research and our clinical care for oncology kids out here is largely dependent on events like this," said Read.
"We're not just breaking the last year's record, we're going to smash last year's record, and it's exactly how we're able to do what we do for the kids that year. So we're very, very grateful to all the participants and everybody in Ottawa that's made this possible."
Virginia Meehan is part of "Michael Meehan's Minion" team and Michael Meehan's mother. She says the team has been participating for about 10 years.
"Michael's a three-time cancer survivor. So, he spent a lot of time at CHEO. So, we really appreciate them. And we love to be able to give back," she said.
Michael adds that he's grateful for the teachers and the "amazing kids here."
Tamy Bell, Griffin Bell’s mother, says that not having her son here this year "hits hard."
Griffin was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2018, a form of childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. He passed away on March 18, a few months shy of his seventh birthday.
"I think over like 600 on our team, alone. And, it's overwhelming, to say the least. So, we're gonna make him proud. He said this year we are going to win. And I think that, you know, we're going to do that," she said. "It's amazing to see so many people coming together."
Evan Bell, Griffin’s father adds that today is a special day. he says "we certainly have had the community wrap their arms around us."
The event includes cycling routes, walking routes along the Ottawa River and activities and entertainment for kids of all ages.
Many roads were closed downtown until 1 p.m., including the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, different sections of Wellington Street and parts of the Queen Elizabeth driveway.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.