Three Bronze sponsors of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Gran Fondo were announced February 20. Michael Hills (left), and Michael Craig of Hills Insurance/CMR Insurance Brokers; Judy and Ian Trotman of Trotman Consulting; with Alison Fernandes (right) of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, all donating $1,000 towards the cycling event to take place August 19.

Hub Staff

Three local businesses took Bronze sponsor status of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation’s upcoming Gran Fondo, when Ian Trotman Consulting, Hills Insurance/CMR Insurance Brokers and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) donated $1,000 each to the Gran Fondo cycling event August 19.

Ian Trotman of Trotman Consulting, a former marathon participant, said the 160km (100 mile) route is the “marathon of biking” and that he is up for the challenge. Trotman is currently training for the summer event in his basement until the weather improves and said he was happy to become a sponsor. “The hospital is such a valuable part of the community and the idea of the bike race was really appealing so the two together just worked perfectly for us,” said Trotman.

Micheal Hills of Southampton’s Hills Insurance has signed up for the 70km route, calling it a “nice leisurely ride” and hoped that many people will support the race that benefits the Southampton Hospital. “Traditionally Hills Insurance has always been a proud supporter of our local hospital, we support the Hospital Auxiliary and we try to do what we can and we are very fortunate that we have a hospital here,” he said, adding “I believe a community is so much better and privileged to have a hospital such as the Saugeen Memorial Hospital.”

OCNI Representative Alison Fernandes said that although she hasn't decided what distance to take in the cycling event, OCNI’s CEO Ron Obreth has chosen the 160km route. “OCNI is recently new to the community and we support 240 members who support the nuclear industry,” said Fernandes. “We feel that the hospital is such a key factor in the community development growth, and we have a lot of members relocating here who are very invested in the future of health care,” she added.

As of March 1 OCNI, along with Bruce Power’s Indigenous Supply Network, will have space in Port Elgin’s downtown core as they will set up shop at 625 Goderich Street, formerly Sunset Blinds.

Judy and Ian Trotman of Ian Trotman Consulting with Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) Chair Jim Barbour.

Alison Fernandes of OCNI with SMHF Chair Jim Barbour February 20.

Michael Craig and Michael Hills of Hills Insurance/CMR Insurance Brokers with SMHF Chair Jim Barbour February 20.