May in Ottawa began with a pair of big fundraisers for local children's charities.
Both the CN Cycle for CHEO and the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone happened Sunday, with participants hitting the sun-soaked streets on bikes and on foot.
CHEO's biggest pediatric cancer fundraiser began at the Canadian War Museum, with 5,000 people raising over $600,000.
The crowd included people with disabilities riding special bicycles, to those whose family members use the hospital.
"Whether it's a younger daughter who breaks a tooth to the oldest that is there to be treated, the care is always exceptional," said Mark McCue, whose daughter has severe allergies. "I want to ensure that they have the latest and greatest in technology."
In south Ottawa, walkers rallied for the many Ottawa youth who use Kids Help Phone.
"Over 100,000 kids in the Ottawa area have used it in the past year," said Morah MacDonald, Kids Help Phone co-ordinator for Ottawa.
The walk raised $100,000 for their service, which gives children as young as five years old a confidential place to talk to support workers, by phone or on-line.
"It's great because it such a technology for teenagers especially," she said. "And for kids that don't want to reach out or pick up the phone, for those that are afraid I may not be confidential – and it is – they're braver to send an email."
Another big fundraiser for CHEO is the 28th Annual CHEO Telethon, which runs June 4 to 5 on CTV.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefan Keyes
