Cyclists go the distance for charity

Four hundred cyclists left the Civic Centre Thursday morning, ready to embark on a tour that will raise funds for children's cancer camps in Ontario.
The four-day, 800-kilometre tour, dubbed Ride Somewhere Meaningful, is part of the fifth annual Tour For Kids event. The riders travel a circuit that takes them through Muskoka, the Haliburton Highlands and Kawartha Lakes regions before returning to Mississauga this Sunday.
This year's event is expected to raise $1.25 million. The money will be distributed among Camp Trillium, Camp Quality and Camp Oochigeas with the goal of sending children to camp while providing the necessary support and treatments during their stay.
The event has allowed more than 2,000 children fighting cancer to enjoy a summer camp experience.
"Tour For Kids has established a reputation for attracting hundreds of compassionate and enthusiastic cyclists who want to make a real difference," said Jeff Rushton, founder of Tour For Kids and Coast to Coast Against Cancer. "The experience and friendships last a lifetime and the positive impact we have had and continue to have on the lives of children facing cancer keeps us very focused on our goals."
A celebration for cyclists and their supporters, complete with music, entertainment and food, will be held Sunday afternoon at City Hall. Toronto indie band, Hello Beautiful, performs at 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.tourforkids.com.
cclay@mississauga.net