More than $65,000 raised in 2026 Velocity Ride

July 9, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Muhammad Hamza

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Hundreds of riders participated in this year’s Velocity Bike Ride in Caledon, which raised $65,320.70 in funds to replace aging buses that help seniors access reliable and affordable transportation services.

With the effort of nine teams and 142 volunteers who joined the June 20 event, 239 donations were received, and $10,000 more has been raised above and beyond the stated goal of $55,000.

The bike ride event was organized by Caledon Community Services (CCS) with contributions from the Town of Caledon’s Municipal Agricultural Community Grant (MACG) and the generous support from multiple organizations and businesses to make that event successful.

“There were many wonderful sponsors. We are very grateful to them,” said Mariia Kupriianova, a Chief Development Officer with the CCS.

The 2026 Velocity Ride was sponsored by Silcotech North America Inc., a silicon parts manufacturing company, which was the Grand Tour sponsor; Brampton Brick Inc., the climb sponsor; Ask4Care Support Services Inc., the road sponsor; and Nonna B’s Bolton and Nutritel, the rest stop sponsors.

The CCS has been organizing the Velocity Ride fundraising event since 2018, founded by Ian Armstrong and Wayne Noble, to support the programs and services that help seniors in the community.

Kupriiyanov said that since then, the event has turned into a beautiful community celebration, bringing together hundreds of riders, supporters, and sponsors.

“This year was a record year; we have raised over $65,000, which is wonderful,” she said, adding the result demonstrates the strength of the community support.

Participants could choose from a variety of cycling routes, including a 50-kilometre road route, a 50-kilometre road-and-trail route, a 25-kilometre gravel route, a 25-kilometre trail route, and a 10-kilometre trail route. All rides began and ended at Caledon East Park.

“We wrapped up with a wonderful lunch for our riders, some fun activities and games…and a beautiful ceremony where we celebrated our teams,” she said.

The event welcomed riders of all ages and skill levels.

Kupriianova said that the youngest participant was six-years-old, and the oldest top fundraiser, Ted Webb, was 93.

Donna Cragg, Director of Communications and Marketing with CCS, who has been participating in Velocity Ride every year since its inception, said that events like these are useful in supporting seniors’ mental health across Canada.

“We are seeing a growing need for that every day,” said Cragg of supporting the independence of seniors. “That’s not just Caledon but across the country to support seniors, and we know that isolation is incredibly harmful for them.”

She pointed out the importance of the CCS Velocity platform, where multiple seniors shared their testimonies, expressing how they benefited from the organization’s services and programs.

Kupriianova said those who joined this year’s ride had one common reason: seniors, who rely on CCS transportation to perform day-to-day activities—if they have an urgent medical appointment, need to renew a driver’s licence due to a health condition, or go grocery shopping—and added that having affordable and accessible transportation is necessary.

“In our community, where public transit options are limited, it is something that speaks to many people; maybe they had a parent who relied on CCS transportation,” she said.

“We all have seniors in our lives. Every team member, every rider, had a reason. The main reason is that they believe in our community and believe in taking care of each other.”

While highlighting the importance of transportation services for seniors, Cragg said that the organization needs to replace up to seven aging buses by the end of 2027, adding the demand for those services will continue as the senior population is growing.

“This was a huge testament to the fact that the community believes that this is a vital service, and we are working hard to ensure that we maintain it and increase the level of services for our seniors as that population grows,” she said.