Cossitt Plus Celtic Equals Ride

OCTOBER 30, 2023

The Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society Memorial Ride for the CFFF. A Brief History of How a Random Thought at the 2016 Canadian Memorial Has Evolved into Becoming the CFFF’s Largest Sponsor/Fundraiser.

Captain David Cossitt
CFFF Ambassador
President of the Toronto Firefighters Celtic Society
Initiator & Organizer of the Memorial Bike Ride to Ottawa

Toronto Fire Services Captain David Cossitt has always had a predisposition for community service, particularly through his involvement with The Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society where he serves as their current President. In his words:

“I had attended the CFFF Memorial in 2016 and was very disappointed with the showing of Firefighters at the service. I was thinking to myself, what can we do to try and bring awareness to the CFFF service. I was thinking of what other emergency services do and came up with the idea of a bike ride. I reached out a few fellow firefighters (who were cyclists) with the idea of a 2-day ride from Toronto to Ottawa. They didn’t think it would be possible to do. I said oh well I’m doing it anyway.

I reached out to the Toronto Association and Department for support as well as a couple of sponsors to help cover some costs. I restricted it to Toronto only riders the first year as I was flying by the seat of my pants, we had 13 riders the first year.

My original objective was to raise $10 000.00 the first year, boy was I disappointed as we raised $5500.00. But 12 of the 13 riders had never been to the Memorial that year so I guess that was a positive to the event.

As the size of the ride has grown, I think more and more people have heard about the ride and have become interested in the ride and the cause for what we ride for. This is by far not an easy ride and is a huge commitment. Many riders have shared their stories of the ride and the friendships that have been gained while spending three days in the saddle along side fellow firefighters that they have not known before.”

This of course is an example of David Cossitt’s legendary modesty and out of the box thinking about how he can make a difference. He has done this throughout his career which led him to take on the mantle of President of the Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society which of course makes broader community contributions to worthwhile Fire causes such as Camp Bucko, but none has taken more of his time than the annual CFFF Bike Ride which has now become the largest fundraiser the CFFF benefits from, all because of one Toronto Fire Fighter’s original vision.

David adds:

Becoming the largest fundraiser for the CFFF is something that I am most proud of and would be considered a highlight of the ride. The ride has brought over 200 Firefighters together over the 7 years that have developed friendships and I hope lifelong relationships that will help make the bond amongst Firefighters and their families stronger.

As the ride has grown there have been many challenges, this would include getting support vehicles and drivers, finding hotels that can accommodate us and finding enough sponsors to help offset the cost of the ride, so it can continue to grow. Each year there are always weather challenges and route changes due to construction along the way. With the help of the various Police Departments and Fire Departments along the way it has become much easier.

At least for next year the size of the ride will be limited to the current size, Max. 75 riders. This year was a big adjustment from the 56 riders in previous years and I think a few things need to be ironed out to make the group size manageable.”

For those of us who have witnessed the logistical challenges, the time involved is like a full-time job and some. Bottom line, over the 7 years of the ride, David and his team of cyclists have raised over $360,000 making the Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society the CFFF’s largest benefactor/sponsor.

For more information on the Toronto Fire Celtic Society or to further support its activities, including the Annual Memorial Ride, refer to the links below or follow them on your preferred social media platform.

https://www.celticfireride.ca/why-we-ride

Group Picture at the Memorial Monument on September 8, 2023

The “Original Six” Toronto Fire Services Participants have never missed a year since the inaugural Memorial Ride

(From Left to Right)

Marc Dunn
David Cossitt
Allison Chisholm
Shaun Chisholm
John Quirin
Dale Markham

It now takes a village to support the current number of participants who volunteer their personal time to ensure the safety and wellness of the cycling team. Thank You!/

From Left to Right

Shaun Ruddy (Chair of the Annual Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade)
Ken Clark
Lia Murray
Al Meyers
Geoff Randall