Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ride, a cycling event raising funds for research at the Ottawa Hospital, raised about $1.07 million dollars on Sunday – and the largest group of contributors and riders came from the local construction industry.
The event included a 109 km option for cyclists wanting a serious experience, a 50 km choice on a closed loop, and a “virtual ride” for contributions of funds without peddling power.
The hospital started the fund-raiser a decade ago, inspired by developer Roger Greenberg (Minto Developments), Luc DesRosiers of Boone Plumbing & Heating Supply, and Robert Merkley of Merkley Supply Ltd.
The largest donors at press time came from the construction industry.
Michael Caleltti, president of the Univex Group of Companies, raised the most money as an individual – at $103,100, while Merkley came in second at $69,670.
Other significant construction industry contributors included Luck Desrrosiers at $13,500, Roger Greenberg at $9,400, and Ottawa Construction Association (OCA) president John DeVries, who raised $8,670.
Merkley Supply Ltd.’s Brick Peddlers again raised the most funds, at $241,228.
Ontario Construction News publisher Mark Buckshon participated in the 109 km ride as part of the Brick Peddler’s team. Merkley had introduced him to the event at its outset.