In September of this year, a few days prior to the ceremony, bike riders from Toronto Fire and other departments came together after many practices to ride from Hamilton to the Canadian Firefighters’ Memorial in Ottawa. The ride has grown from 10 riders the first year to over 40 riders this year from seven different departments. This grueling 530 km journey was accepted by the riders including a firefighter from Newfoundland who was inspired after the 2018 ride. The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Celtic Society was and is the driving force behind this very successful fundraiser benefiting the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation; and their President, Dave Cossitt is the creator of this ride. Over the last three years, the Celtic Society has raised $43,000, with over $27,000 this year alone easily surpassing their goal of $15,000. The Ride is supported by numerous departments along the route who generously provide breaks, facilities and in most cases, financial donations. The CFFF would like to recognize and thank all riders, support personnel and those that donated, and we hope that this tradition can continue in the future!
2019 Memorial Ride participants in Hamilton before striking out to Ottawa
First riders arrive in Ottawa with a police escort.