Written by Nathalie Gelineau, Communications Lead, Hillel Lodge
On Sunday, September 14th , the 17th Annual Biking for Bubbies & Zaidies event proved to be an incredible success, thanks to the passion, generosity, and unstoppable energy of our community! We not only reached our goal but surpassed it, raising over $227,000 in support of our cherished residents. Your participation—whether you conquered the course or surpassed your fundraising targets—made a significant impact. Your commitment helps provide the programs and person-centred care that ensure our residents feel connected, supported, and loved every day.
The Biking for Bubbies & Zaidies event is more than just a biking challenge; it’s a celebration of honouring those who came before us, fulfilling the commandment to "honour thy father and thy mother." It demonstrates to our Bubbies and Zaidies that their stories, smiles, and spirits matter deeply to us. The ride was electric! From the starting line to the finish, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and heart. Witnessing our community unite for such an important cause was truly inspiring.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude from all of us at Hillel Lodge and the Hillel Lodge Foundation to all of you that participated in making this 17th edition of Biking for Bubbies & Zaidies such a success. A special thank you to the sponsors whose support is critical to the success of the day.
Thank You, Bikers!
Fundraising Efforts: Each biker played a crucial role in raising funds for vital programs. This year, we aimed for $200,000 and exceeded that goal, with bikers raising between $500 and $12,000 by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues for sponsorship. Their online pages shared personal stories, highlighting why Hillel Lodge is so important and encouraging donations.
Awareness: By biking, bikers shine a light on long-term care in our community, fostering greater support and involvement.
Community Spirit: Your participation reflects a commitment to caring for our elders and strengthens community bonds, demonstrating that we value and respect our residents.
The Family Fun Zone was a highlight of the day! This special area for families of bikers and our residents featured games, crafts, and entertainment that added a joyful touch to the event.
To wrap up the day, we hosted a Thank You BBQ in the Dream Garden to express our appreciation to everyone involvedin the fundraiser. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy music, savor delicious food, and celebrate the hard work of all bikers, participants, volunteers, and supporters.
A big thank you to our incredible community for making this year’s Biking for Bubbies & Zaidies a fantastic success! Together, we are making a difference. See you next year!
