Défi Roule à fond was created for the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Fonds Édouard Boivin, established in October 2021 by Claude-André Boivin and Laurence Gauvin-Couture as a tribute to their son, Édouard, who died of epilepsy at the age of 9.
On June 18, 2022, mountain bikers of all ages came together for the very first edition, inspired to support the Fund and the values it represents: determination, drive, team spirit, and passion.
The goal – Complete as many laps as possible around Saint-Adèle’s Mont Loup-Garou, either solo or with family, friends, or colleagues.
The cause – Raise awareness and support advancements in the treatment of refractory epilepsy.
The inspiration – Get pedalling to honour Édouard’s life, his bravery, and his love of mountain biking.
The people – Over 200 cyclists.
The fundraising target – $40,000.
The final tally – Almost $180,000.
Highlights:
- Enthusiastic cyclists braved the rain and the cold in honour of Édouard.
- Overall, 1,154 donors contributed to the fundraising campaigns.
- Added to the donations that had already been collected, the amount raised during the event brought the Fonds Édouard Boivin to a gross total of over $637,000—making a significant dent in its ultimate $1 million goal for the fight against epilepsy.