MANITOULIN

PENNY RUN

All of the events and fundraising we do each year culminates with the Manitoulin Penny Run. 

This event started in 1992 with a ride by three of our brothers to the Manitoulin Island. During the course of that weekend ride they developed a deep appreciation for  the hardships being experienced by a unique group of developmentally handicapped individuals living on the Island and the unselfish work being done by a small non-profit charitable organization ( W.I.S.H.) to help make their lives a little better.   A week later we made our first donation to W.I.S.H. which consisted of a 40 pound bag of pennies collected from our members and delivered anonymously back to the Island with a note that read " PENNIES FROM HEAVEN ".  

A decision was made shortly thereafter that as a group, we would try and raise money each year for W.I.S.H. and have an annual run to the Manitoulin Island at the end of each summer to deliver what we had raised. 2006 marked our 15th annual Penny Run and donations totaling approximately $205,000.00. 

The run itself is held every labour day weekend and like all of our events, is by invitation only. The first day of the weekend is spent on the road riding 350 miles north to our destination. It goes without saying that the ride includes appropriately timed stops for liquid refreshments.  Upon arrival our weekend is spent at a private camp where we spend an extremely fun filled Saturday with various handicapped groups who are invited each year to share the festivities. A special field day is planned around their participation including bike rides for everyone and trophies for the event winners.  After the field events we have a BBQ for everyone in attendance and spend time renewing old acquaintances  and getting to know new faces. Sunday is spent on the road again for the return ride. 

It would be an understatement to say that this weekend is special for everyone involved. Each and every one of our members has a special place in their heart for this group of people and look forward each year to the hugs, laughter and smiles that they bring with them. For their part, it's been said many times that they look forward to this day all year long. It is literally the best day of the year for many of them and their happiness at sharing the day with us is felt by all. 

Included on this page are a few photo's of this event which reflect the day as well as some of the newspaper articles written about the Penny Run. Please feel free to browse.