TORONTO, ON – May 23, 2023 – Thousands of bike riders of all ages will come together on Sunday, June 4 for the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health in support of Baycrest. The second annual bike ride will raise critical funding for research, innovation, care and education in the field of aging brain health.
“With more Canadians over the age of 65 than under 15, dementia research and care has never been more important,” said Josh Cooper, President and CEO, Baycrest Foundation. “At Baycrest, we’re on a continued mission to improve prevention, detection and treatment for dementia - something we’re able to do as a result of fundraising events like the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health. Registration is still open - I invite Torontonians to join us for this exhilarating, rare opportunity on June 4!”
New for this year? The introduction of Honorary Lead Riders, with the iconic duo behind Canada’s BodyBreak, Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod, kicking off the ride and joining cyclists on the route.
“Joanne and I have spent more than 30 years encouraging Canadians to keep fit and have fun. With Baycrest research showing 150 minutes of exercise per week can help delay the onset of dementia - it was a no-brainer for us to sign up to ride in support of the organization,” said Hal Johnson, BodyBreak. “We’re getting older, and knowing a significant portion of the Canadian population is aging along with us, it’s critical that we as a society raise awareness and funds for dementia research and care.”
Bike for Brain Health is open to recreational and endurance riders alike, with the choice of three routes: 25km, 50km and 75km. Cyclists can participate on their own, with a team of friends or family, or as part of a corporate team. Endurance riders are also invited to participate in a new timed 75 km route, beginning at 6 a.m. Registration is open until June 4. Visit www.bikeforbrainhealth.ca to sign up.
A note for drivers: the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway will be closed to vehicles from 2 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
About Baycrest
Baycrest is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Baycrest is home to a robust research and innovation network, including one of the world’s top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute; the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Canada’s largest national dementia research initiative; and the Baycrest-powered Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through these initiatives, Baycrest has remained at the forefront of the fight to defeat dementia as our organization works to create a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfillment. Founded in 1918 as the Toronto Jewish Old Folks Home, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information, please visit: www.baycrest.org
Media Contact:
Brittany Ballentine, Craft Public Relations
416-909-2903
brittany@craftpublicrelations.com
