2025 Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad Raises Over $71,000 to fight Prostate Cancer
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Members of the 2025 Canadian Tire 500 Club stand proudly at the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad. Each rider raised over $500 in support of local prostate cancer care, helping contribute to the event's unbelievable success.
This past Father's Day weekend, the rumble of engines echoed through Thunder Bay as more than 240 riders came together for a great cause. The 2025 Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad presented by PDR Contracting hit the road in full force, raising an incredible $71,826 in support of local prostate cancer care through the Northern Cancer Fund.
Riders from across Northwestern Ontario joined the annual event, revving up awareness and raising vital funds to support advanced diagnosis, treatment, and research for prostate cancer, a disease that continues to affect 1 in 8 Canadian men in their lifetime. This year, the Health Sciences Foundation was working to help fund a specific piece of equipment; an ultrasound attachment for the new da Vinci robot.
Beginning with a powerful opening ceremony, the ride took participants on a scenic route that showcased the beauty of Thunder Bay and beyond, passing through communities that continue to rally around local health care. With blue skies and community spirit on their side, the energy was unmistakable—equal parts celebration, remembrance, and action.
A standout part of the event is the “Canadian Tire 500 Club” — an extraordinary group of riders who each year raise over $500 in pledged donations. Their dedication and fundraising efforts play a crucial role in the event's overall success. This year's 500 Club members are:
Lyle Knudsen, Mike Kopot, John Pascuzzo, Walter Schincariol, Kai Knudsen, David Moscall, Diane Merkley, Tony Torfe, Mary Mavar, Marcel Tempelman, Laurie Matychuk, Jean-Yves Gervais, Pat Lockert, Adam Morton, Krista Tompkins, Suzanne Dubois, Michael B. Wilson, Sumiye Sugawara, and Kevin Kennedy.
These passionate individuals went above and beyond in their fundraising, showing just how much of an impact one person can make when they ride with purpose. Their leadership inspires others and brings us one step closer to a future where more lives are saved through early detection and improved treatment.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation wants the community to know that when we talk about investing in local prostate cancer care, we mean ensuring that men in our region are diagnosed sooner, treated faster, and cared for closer to home — with access to the best tools and technology available.
The event's success would not have been possible without the leadership of local volunteers and the support of the title sponsor Tbaytel and presenting sponsor PDR Contracting — both of whom continue to demonstrate what it truly means to invest in the health and well-being of our region.
“I am so moved to see so many riders, donors, and sponsors step up for our 23rd year hosting this event —and we're not slowing down any time soon” said Connor Remus, newly appointed Event Officer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
As the engines quieted and the final tallies came in, one thing was clear: Thunder Bay continues to ride with heart. With over $71,000 raised and patient stories of HOPE were shared, the 2025 Ride for Dad was more than a scenic ride, it was a bold statement in the fight against prostate cancer. We'll see you all next year on June 20, 2026 for another incredible day of support!
Connor Remus, Events Officer