by Chuck MacInnis
Merrickville residents once again hosted paramedics from all across Ontario as they bicycled into the village for a much needed rest and food break. The Paramedic Ride, now in its 6th year, journeys from Toronto to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The ride spanned 14 to 17 September, with overnight stops at Port Hope, Kingston and Brockville, before finishing on Parliament Hill.
The cyclists stopped in Merrickville on September 17, to regroup and take a much-needed breather before riding the final stretch into Ottawa.
Members of the Merrickville-Wolford Fire Department and local residents were on hand to greet the riders and cheer them on their way.
The Paramedic Ride is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the Paramedic community. They are raising funds in support of the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation, and are constructing a monument in Ottawa to commemorate those Paramedics who have lost their lives in the line-of-duty.
This monument is intended to be a place where family, friends and colleagues can remember their loved ones and honour the dedication and sacrifice of all Canadian Paramedics.