Cycling fundraiser in Alliston supports vision loss research
Cyclists from around the region will line the roads this weekend to help raise funds and awareness around vision loss.
Cycle for Sight started 15 years ago and is slated to take place in Alliston on Saturday – the same day, June 3, as World Cycle Day.
"It really is about raising funds, raising awareness and raising hope for those affected by vision loss," said Mirja Raita, Cycle for Sight manager.
"There are about eight million Canadians who struggle with vision loss. Three of four cases can be cured if caught early or treated."
The initiative has raised over $6 million nationwide in the past 15 years, with about 5,000 riders participating.
This year's goal is $600,000 – $300,000 is hoped to be raised at the Alliston event. About 200 riders have signed up for the event in Alliston.
"People call it the perfect one-day ride. It's a beautiful ride, albeit it does have its challenges," Raita said.
"So, for everyone, we do have quite a hill that we try to conquer at the end, but novice cyclists all the way to competitive active cyclists are riding."
Raita said the riders have been extremely loyal, with most returning year after year.
"You almost have to be here to feel it. The camaraderie that's shared at Cycle for Sight is why we have about an 80 per cent retention rate," Raita said.
"When people come the first time, they tend to come back, and that's largely due to hope, inspiration and motivation to raise funds for research."
One of those riders is New Tecumseth Ward 4 councillor Alan Masters.
"I think it's a great thing to promote to young people and for the general public," Masters said.
"We're very happy to have Cycle for Sight with us, and I'm also very happy to be participating in it."
Cycle for Sight is an initiative created by Fighting Blindness Canada. More information, including registration and times, is found on the Cycle for Sight website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.