Virtual cycling tour raises $24,600 for A Place Called Home

This year’s Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour raised $24,600 for A Place Called Home despite fundraising challenges posed by COVID-19.
The organizing of a virtual ride came with a lot of uncertainty.
“We had no idea if people would support the event given the pandemic” says David Tilley, interim executive director.
The 2020 Classic was a unique experience with the registration fee being waived in favour of a voluntary donation. Those who did register received copies of route maps from previous years as well as a new trail route dubbed “the Starbucks ride” due to its mid-point.
“We wanted to make every effort to continue supporting A Place Called Home” says Deb Smith, event organizer and A Place Called Home board member.
Over the past 16 years the Kawartha Classic has grown into a major fundraiser for A Place Called Home.
Since March, demand for homeless services has substantially increased with upwards of 60 people requiring shelter.
“Our usual capacity of 19 beds just wasn’t enough as people were struggling to find places to live or being asked to leave where they were staying due to COVID fears” explains David Tilley.
A Place Called Home has since moved to local motels where greater numbers of people can be supported.