Transformative research at University Health Network’s (UHN) Krembil Brain Institute received a major boost this year as the 20th annual Tour de Bleu cycling fundraiser rallied support for advances in brain health. On September 7, 52 cyclists crossed the finish line at Toronto General Hospital, marking two decades of the ride and raising $7.7 million. The event is the signature fundraiser of the Peter Gilgan Foundation, which selected University Health Network as its partner for this milestone year.
Funds raised will directly advance research in neurodegenerative diseases and neuroregenerative medicine at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, one of the world’s leading centres for neuroscience and a hub of discovery that is redefining care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other conditions that affect millions of Canadians.
“We are honoured that Peter Gilgan Foundation has chosen to partner with UHN Foundation on this year’s Tour de Bleu event to champion the pioneering work happening at our Krembil Brain Institute,” said Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. “Thanks to the vision of Peter Gilgan and the incredible generosity of this community of cyclists and donors, scientists and clinicians at Canada’s #1 hospital will be able to accelerate discoveries and bring hope to patients and families impacted by devastating disorders of the brain and spine. Together, we are not only changing the future of care in Canada, but also advancing knowledge that will improve lives around the world.”
Since its inception in 2005 by philanthropist, businessman and avid cyclist Peter Gilgan, Tour de Bleu has raised more than $53 million to benefit world-class organizations such as SickKids, CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Women’s College Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Markham/Stouffville Hospital, Trillium Health Partners, and William Osler Health System. Peter Gilgan Foundation’s partnership with UHN Foundation on this year’s ride reflects a commitment to investing in brain health, an area of urgent need as populations age and the prevalence of neurodegenerative disease continues to rise.
“The Peter Gilgan Foundation supports high-impact charitable initiatives that build a healthier future, and Tour de Bleu puts that mission in motion,” said Luke Gilgan, Board Member, Peter Gilgan Foundation. “For 20 years, this event has brought together an incredible community of riders and supporters whose generosity and commitment have enabled real, lasting impact. We’re especially proud that this year’s Tour supports the Krembil Brain Institute’s groundbreaking work in neuroregeneration—a field with the potential to transform lives. Tour de Bleu is proof that when people come together with purpose, amazing things can happen.”
For more information about UHN Foundation please visit www.UHNITED.ca.
About UHN Foundation
Part of University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital, UHN Foundation raises funds for Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehab and The Michener Institute of Education. No one ever changed the world on their own. Donor support is critical to upholding the excellence in patient care that UHN is known for and changing the status quo of health care – helping to recruit top medical experts from around the world, complete transformational capital projects, train the next generation of health care leaders, and advance bold medical research. UHNfoundation.ca
About The Peter Gilgan Foundation
The Peter Gilgan Foundation is a private family foundation that supports high-impact charitable initiatives that build a healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable future. The Foundation funds across priority areas including climate change; Indigenous youth; international development; children, youth and families; and health care. Peter Gilgan Foundation’s partners are driving real, measurable impact in ensuring a strong future for people in Canada and beyond, and the Foundation is proud to support their work. For more information on the Foundation, its grant programs, and its partners, visit petergilganfoundation.org.