The first rule of fundraising is to ask. The second rule is ask again. And that is exactly what Charlie Barnes does. Charlie has cycled in the Tour de Guelph for the past seven years, and since then he has raised an amazing $103,980 for the hospital foundation and Rotary.
How does he do that? He draws on his contacts from around the world. At 87, he is a world medal-winning triathlon athlete, competing in Beijing, Rotterdam, London, San Francisco and most recently winning the silver medal in his age group in competitions in Montreal.
His advice is to ask everyone you know, no matter where they live. People will donate because they want to support you.
“In fact, he shared, “Over time, I’ve had many donations from outside of Canada from the people I’ve met over the years.”
Charlie started cycling competitively when he was 65 and has never stopped. Initially he cycled for Juvenile Diabetes, but now rides for the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
“Not everyone knows this, but all patient care equipment at the hospital is funded by donations “shares Julie Byczynski, CEO of the Foundation. Working in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, funds raised also helps them support community projects.
The 12th annual Tour de Guelph will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Tour de Guelph welcomes community members of all ages and abilities to register, fundraise and enjoy a bike ride together to support the Foundation.
To register to ride, go to https://tourdeguelph.ca/
Cycling for the community
The first rule of fundraising is to ask. The second rule is ask again. And that is exactly what Charlie Barnes does.
Charlie has cycled in the Tour de Guelph for the past seven years, and since then he has raised an amazing $103,980 for the hospital foundation and Rotary.
How does he do that? He draws on his contacts from around the world. At 87, he is a world medal-winning triathlon athlete, competing in Beijing, Rotterdam, London, San Francisco and most recently winning the silver medal in his age group in competitions in Montreal.
His advice is to ask everyone you know, no matter where they live. People will donate because they want to support you.
“In fact, he shared, “Over time, I’ve had many donations from outside of Canada from the people I’ve met over the years.”
Charlie started cycling competitively when he was 65 and has never stopped. Initially he cycled for Juvenile Diabetes, but now rides for the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
“Not everyone knows this, but all patient care equipment at the hospital is funded by donations “shares Julie Byczynski, CEO of the Foundation.
Working in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, funds raised also helps them support community projects.
The 12th annual Tour de Guelph will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Tour de Guelph welcomes community members of all ages and abilities to register, fundraise and enjoy a bike ride together to support the Foundation.
To register to ride, go to https://tourdeguelph.ca/