Sun Life Cyclists raise $25,000 for Canadian Diabetes Association n

The eight cyclists involved in the Sun Life Epic Ride for Diabetes, dropped by Peter McCooeye’s Sun Life office in Morrisburg, on Friday morning, to share their excitement of this year raising $25,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association. 

They were greeted at the Morrisburg office by Peter McCooeye and Angie Anderson who were joined by Jimmy Sirmas (Sun Life Associate Area Manager) and local Sun Life Advisors Patrick MacDonald and Scott Benton.

South Dundas deputy-mayor Jim Locke and McCooeye’s family were also out to offer their congratulations and encouragement to the riders, all  of whom are Sun Life employees who live throughout Ontario.

Now in its fourth year, this year’s ride enjoyed terrific weather and great hospitality from the communities the riders passed through.

“We have had great support from Sun Life Global Investments,” said rider Matt Pomeroy. “Everybody here has a family member affected by diabetes. One in three Canadians are either experiencing diabetes or are pre-diabetic, so you don’t have to go too far to find someone affected”

“It is really nice of Peter [McCooey] to open the office here in Morrisburg to us. We have been greeted by Sun Life Advisors all along the way.”

“We also owe a big thank you to all the motorists along the way. We have felt welcome on every road we have travelled on.”

The eight riders were assisted during the week-long ride by a four person support crew travelling in three vehicles.

Friday’s ride began in Brockville and was to end in Ottawa by about 4 p.m.

Each day the Sun Life team road for about 6-7 hours, stopping well before twilight. They rode as a group and mostly followed the Waterfront Trail.

“Today has been fun,” said Shady Youssef. “But yesterday from Belleville to Brockville was tough. There was a lot of climbing.”

The riders started the 1,000 km ride in Windsor, on Monday, and were in London, Ontario on Monday night. The next three legs of the trip put them in Napanee, Kingston and Brockville on Thursday night.