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Celebrating the 2024 Rider Recognition Award Recipients

Top 3 Individual Fundraisers

Our top three fundraisers are trailblazers, each raising over $100,000 and contributing a combined $413,874 to the Alberta Cancer Foundation:

1. Vern Yu

A founding rider and champion of the Tour, Vern Yu has been on the top fundraising list year after year. His commitment over the past 16 years has attracted new teams, sponsors, and riders, creating a legacy of hope. This year, Vern raised an astounding $155,250, bringing his lifetime total to $941,814! Congratulations to Vern for his exceptional dedication and fundraising achievements.

2. Max Chan
Max is a force within the Alberta Cancer Foundation, serving on the Board of Trustees and contributing significantly to the Tour over his five years of involvement. A fierce but friendly competition on the Saturday of the Tour saw him secure the #2 fundraising spot with $153,956, adding up to a personal total of over $600,000. Thank you, Max, for your inspiring contributions!

3. John Davis
New to the Tour but making a big impact, John Davis joined this year with his daughter Sydney and raised $104,668, sparking excitement among the top fundraisers. John’s incredible debut has not only earned him a place on our steering committee but also set the stage for future success. Welcome, John—here’s to many more years of riding with us!

Top Corporate Teams

Corporate teams are the backbone of the Tour, and this year, they reached new heights:

1. Team Enbridge
With 151 riders raising an impressive $726,825, Team Enbridge once again takes the top spot. Led by Lennina, Ashleigh, John, Allison, Max, Terri, Tendai, and Marko, Team Enbridge has united colleagues, clients, and vendors across Alberta. Thank you, Team Enbridge, for your unwavering support and dedication.

2. Team AltaGas
In their first year, Team AltaGas brought tremendous energy and raised $452,510 with 69 riders. Special thanks to Shila, Jasmine, Thomas, and Vern for leading this inaugural team to an incredible achievement. We look forward to many more years of your community spirit and involvement.

3. Team ARC Resources
For the second year, ARC Resources joined with 50 riders, raising $241,187. This team’s commitment, led by Nhi and Breanden, exemplifies the values of care and dedication. Thank you, Team ARC, for raising the bar in every way!

4. Team Precision Drilling
Precision Drilling came in with a clear goal of making the top five, and they did just that, raising $228,669 with 43 riders. Their team-focused fundraising approach and Rocky Mountain Partnership have shown just how powerful a united mission can be.

5. Team ATCO
In their second year, Team ATCO doubled both their rider count and funds raised, reaching $204,368 with 46 riders. A special thanks to Jim Landon for leading with vision and enthusiasm, which took ATCO’s impact to new levels. Your breakfast spread was an event highlight!

Top 5 Community Teams

Community teams are the heartbeat of the Tour, and this year’s teams were as dedicated as ever:

1. Team Arthur Child Cancer Conquerors
Raising $311,784 with 77 riders, this team made a remarkable comeback after COVID setbacks. Larry Clark’s leadership revitalized the team, making them our top community team in 2024. Congratulations!

2. Team Colton’s Crusaders
With 50 riders and $224,373 raised, Colton’s Crusaders have fostered a passionate, engaged community. Thank you to captains Gerald, Alfred, and Cynthia for your extraordinary efforts!

3. Team Leah Fight for Your Cure 
To say this team is inspirational is an understatement. Lead by the fierce captain Leah Meier and a dedicated group of friends and family, this little team from Taber Alberta are a force to be reckoned with. Team Leah has been riding with us since 2019 and has raised $362,702 collectively, proving that you don’t need to live in a big city to make a big difference. Though Leah couldn’t join us due to starting her next round of treatment, her spirit and tenacity inspire us all. We send her and the entire team our heartfelt thanks.

4. Team Davis
A father-daughter duo, John and Sydney Davis raised $108,415 in their first year, with Sydney independently spearheading her own fundraising efforts. We’re excited to see Team Davis grow in the coming years!

5. Team One Aim
A longstanding team since 2010, Team One Aim exemplifies community support and dedication. We are grateful for the captains—Steve, Paul, Dennis, Nigel, and Nolan—whose leadership ensures that One Aim continues to shine.

Our Tour community is brimming with incredible individuals and teams who make a lasting impact:

Outstanding Corporate Captain Award: Jason Hinchliff
Jason’s leadership with Cenovus and Team KPMG has been exemplary, earning his team over $100,000. A Tire Track qualifier, Jason’s unwavering commitment has been crucial to his team’s success. Thank you, Jason, for your dedication and inspiring leadership.

Best New Corporate Team: Team AltaGas
Team AltaGas made an unforgettable debut, not only achieving the #2 fundraising position but also supporting their riders with resources on everything from training to bike maintenance. Congratulations to Sheila and Jasmine for your instrumental roles in this year’s success.

Perseverance Award: Aaron Kelemen
A longtime community member, Aaron’s fundraising tactics—including guitar lessons for donations—have earned him the Tire Track jersey three years running. This year, Aaron’s resilience shone through as he navigated challenges, including his father’s recent diagnosis. Thank you, Aaron, for your strength and dedication.

Pedal Power Award: Team Vectra Heavy Haulers
Team Vectra made a mark in their first year by offering inclusive training rides to the entire Tour community. Thank you, Team Vectra, for your commitment to building community and support for all riders.

Pinnacle Performer Award: Kevin Leung
Since joining the Tour in 2022, Kevin has ridden as a solo rider each year, raising over $10,000 annually. His unwavering dedication and advocacy make him an integral part of the Tour community, and we are truly grateful for his extraordinary contributions.

Engagement Champion Award: Team Brokerlink
The Engagement Champion Award recognizes a team or rider who actively engages their community to support our cause. Team Brokerlink stood out for their dedication to fostering community involvement. From their vibrant presence on Instagram to their creative initiatives that rallied their network, they ensured that each rider was prepared and inspired. Congratulations to Team Brokerlink for embodying the spirit of community engagement and support!

Outstanding Community Captain Award: Dean Van Der Merwe
Dean Van Der Merwe’s 16th year riding with the Tour was especially meaningful. From recruiting family members to coordinating volunteers, Dean has shown incredible leadership. This year, he helped his family in Sweden form a three-generational team, riding alongside his father, brother, and nephew. His dedication and ability to bring people together are an inspiration to us all.

Best New Community Team: Spokes for Strength
Team Spokes for Strength, led by Jay and Ty, came together to honor the memory of Ty’s late mother, Brenda, with their participation in the Tour. Their story of resilience, fundraising, and teamwork has been nothing short of inspiring. In their first year, they raised an incredible $42,466, setting a strong foundation for future growth. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this passionate new team!

Growth Driver Award: Colton’s Crusaders
Colton’s Crusaders exemplify the power of growth and determination. This year, the team doubled in size from 25 to 50 riders and increased their fundraising total from $101,839 to $224,373. Their commitment to sharing stories and fostering courage within the Tour community has made them a beacon of hope.

Matt Kirkpatrick
Leading Team Shawcor for eight years, Matt’s passion and dedication have been indispensable. Known affectionately as a “Lifer,” Matt’s spirit and willingness to support have been central to our community.