They Did it Again!!
Wheels Event Exceeds Goal for the Fourth Time
The fourth Annual Wheels for The Darling Home for Kids event took place on August 14th and raised and incredible $51,240, once again surpassing its fundraising goal. The funds will enable The Darling Home for Kids in making essential updates to its facility and help the Home provide quality respite and palliative care services to medically-fragile children.
Wheels for The Darling Home for Kids is an event where a group of cycling enthusiasts fundraise and complete a 60 kilometer tour through the Niagara Escarpment. This year, 19 cyclists participated in a 60 kilometer or 35 kilometer tour in unseasonably cool weather.
“It was exhilarating,” remarked event co-Chair Elizabeth Harding. “It was a challenging ride and fundraising campaign. Outside was chilly, but we made it and we couldn’t be more proud!”
“We started the Wheels event to help create a playful retreat for children,” Pete Pomeroy, Ms. Harding’s co-Chair, said. “It’s very rewarding to come back each year and see the enjoyment our projects have brought to children and their families.”
The event was started in 2011 by Pete Pomeroy to help raise money for a wheelchair accessible playground. Previous Wheels fundraising projects include completing a therapeutic garden and renovating a respite bedroom. The Wheels event has raised $360,000 for The Darling Home for Kids to date.
The presenting sponsor, Mattamy Homes, has been involved with Wheels for the past four projects and instrumental in turning the projects to reality. In addition to financial support, the homebuilder’s employees are encouraged to help organize and participate in the event.
Former Miltonian and 9-time Ironman competitor, Kevin McDonald, pledged to raise funds and awareness for The Darling Home for Kids by leveraging his participation in this October’s Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. His pledge has the potential to bring international attention to the Home’s mission to be an oasis of comfort and joy for medically-fragile children.
“We are truly blessed,” said the Home’s Executive Director, Kristin Horrell. “It was 10 years ago that the Home opened its doors. We are so very proud of what we have been able to accomplish, thanks to community supporters like Pete, Elizabeth, Kevin and all the Wheels donors and volunteers.”
To see photos from the Wheels event please visit our Photo Gallery.
