R2//NYC Raises $925,000 for Campfire Circle

On September 11, 2024, 63 cyclists embarked on a challenging five-day cycling journey from Toronto to New York City, culminating in an epic finish at Times Square on September 15.

Riding an average of 170 km a day and climbing 9,000 metres in total, riders raised over $925,000 to support year-round camp programs for kids with cancer or serious illness and their families, providing 370 kids with a week of camp.

“I am amazed at the accomplishments of these dedicated riders,” says Caley Bornbaum, Chief Development Officer, Campfire Circle. “They have spent months fundraising and training both physically and mentally for this journey. Thanks to these riders and their generous supporters, we can deliver healing through happiness to more kids and families across the province.”

In its seventh year, R2//NYC is a fully supported 850-km journey from Toronto to New York City, taking the routes less travelled through Ontario, New York State, and Pennsylvania. Riders climb the Catskills and Appalachian Mountains before rolling into Times Square, greeted by family, friends, and supporters.

This year, the ride introduced a two-day 366-km route from Toronto to Buffalo and back, providing an alternate option for cyclists.

Trevor Delaire is one of the cyclists who participated in the gruelling five-day ride for the first time. “We lost our beautiful daughter, Ainsley, to brain cancer at the age of seven,” says Trevor. “While Ainsley was too sick to attend camp, Campfire Circle was instrumental in helping our son, Spencer, cope through its bereaved siblings’ program. We’ve had a special connection to camp ever since.”

A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Simon Kelley is another first-time R2//NYC rider. In his role, Dr. Kelley provides complex surgical limb reconstruction to children with cancer and other medical conditions. “I see first-hand the devastating impact that serious illness has on a child’s health, well-being, and social development and the challenges children and their families face when undergoing lengthy treatments. Campfire Circle brings much-needed joy to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families, and I am riding to support this organization as much as I can.”

Riders come from various communities across Ontario, including Toronto, London, Kitchener/Waterloo, Huntsville, and Ottawa, all united in their goal to ensure that even the most medically fragile children can attend camp, all at no cost to families.

“We’re so grateful for the support of R2//NYC cyclists who are helping to deliver healing through happiness to kids and families across Ontario,” says Alex Robertson, CEO, Campfire Circle. “These funds help fuel our play-based programs at four paediatric hospitals, in communities across the province, and at our two medically supported overnight campsites. Because of these riders, we are able to provide more programs that improve kids’ overall well-being, help them build resiliency, and develop life-long friendships.”

While the R2//NYC ride is complete, fundraising continues and donations can be made to the R2//NYC page.

The next R2//NYC ride will take place from September 10-14, 2025. Pre-registration is now open.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact r2nyc@campfirecircle.org