Biking for Brain Health

A total of 30 Toronto Police members, first responders and friends pedalled across the city in the Bike for Brain Health Ride June 1.

Since starting taking part in the ride three years ago, the team led by 14 Division officers has raised approximately $60,000.

“Three years ago, a couple of us who are cyclists were sitting in the office and we came up with the idea to do something together,” said Constable Scott Surridge, who is a Neighbourhood Community Officer in 14 Division. “Later, we decided to open it up to other first responders and our friends.”

This year the team raised $15,000.

The funds raised go to the Baycrest Foundation that helps fund breakthrough research into cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke and aging brain health.

It is a cause that is very close to Surridge.

“My late father-in-law had dementia, and our family saw first-hand what he went through,” he said. “This disease not only affects memory and cognition, but also families and relationships. It was hard to navigate because you just don’t know. Baycrest is doing amazing work to finding that cure.”

This year, the Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association donated $1,000 and Vice-President Brian Callaghan donated $750 on behalf of the Toronto Police Association.

“We are proud to be a supporter,” said Callaghan. “Most of the officers involved in this are affected in some way by dementia and Alzheimer’s and the TPA is here to support them and will always have their backs.”

Baycrest Foundation Chief Executive Officer Josh Cooper thanked Toronto Police Service members and their friends for the support.

“I know that policing is often a job that don’t get a lot of thank yous,” he said. “More than anything, I don’t care if you didn’t raise money, but just came out and rode with us. Thank you for doing all that you do.”