Tour de Bleu Cycling Event Sets New Record, Raising $5.65 Million for Youth Mental Health at Osler Foundation

Tour de Bleu Cycling Event Sets New Record, Raising $5.65 Million for Youth Mental Health at Osler Foundation

Tour de Bleu Cycling Event Raises a Record $5.65 Million for Osler Foundation.

46 Riders Cycle to Support Increased Capacity for Youth Mental Health Programs at William Osler Health System


In a remarkable display of community spirit, the annual Tour de Bleu fundraiser, jointly hosted by Mattamy Homes and the Peter Gilgan Foundation, achieved a momentous milestone, raising an impressive $5.65 million for the William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation). This generous contribution will be dedicated to enhancing specialized mental health care at the William Osler Health System (Osler) hospitals, with a particular focus on supporting the youth within our community.


A dedicated group of 46 enthusiastic cyclists took part in this extraordinary event, covering a challenging 200km route over the weekend. Their journey included a ride from the serene cottage country to Osler’s Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial) located in Brampton. The funds raised during this year's Tour de Bleu exceeded all expectations and will play a pivotal role in Osler's mission to expand its mental health care capabilities. These resources will be instrumental in the transformation of Peel Memorial into Brampton's new hospital, set to include the area's very first Adolescent Intensive Day (AID) Program, designed to support youth grappling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.


Ken Mayhew, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation, emphasized the urgency of the cause, stating, "Those of us with young people in our lives recognize the toll the COVID-19 pandemic took on their mental health. Social isolation, school closures, and pandemic-related family stress amplified what was already a growing problem—youth struggling with their mental health and a profound need for greater access to care. We are immensely grateful to Peter Gilgan, the Peter Gilgan Foundation, and all of the Tour de Bleu cyclists and sponsors for their invaluable commitment to making a tangible difference for youth in our region."


Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building capacity for specialized youth mental health treatment. He stated, "With a growing number of adolescents in Ontario currently waitlisted to receive mental health care, it's vital that we build capacity to provide specialized treatment to youth struggling in our community. There's no better time for this contribution from Peter Gilgan and the Peter Gilgan Foundation to make a real impact on the future well-being of our young people."


Tour de Bleu, initiated in 2005 by Peter Gilgan, the founder of Mattamy Homes and an avid cyclist, has consistently raised substantial funds for world-class organizations, including SickKids, CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Women's College Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Markham/Stouffville Hospital, and Trillium Health Partners.


Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO of Mattamy Asset Management and founder of Mattamy Homes, commended Osler's outstanding reputation in providing community-based programming for mental health and addiction disorders. He remarked, "Osler has earned a reputation, both locally and regionally, as a center of excellence for community hospital-based programming for mental health and addiction disorders. We're thrilled that our support will contribute to the world-class care provided by Osler and help ensure that youth in the community and beyond receive timely access to specialized care."


The Humberview Group was proud to participate in such a worthy and relevant event. It brings us assurance that all the proceeds raised will go to an outstanding organization like William Osler Health Systems and will work towards improving our youth's well-being and mental health. We are big supporters of ongoing charity within our community and will continue to give back to Etobicoke, Brampton and beyond.  

46 avid cyclists participated in the 18th Tour de Bleu hosted by Mattamy Homes and the Peter Gilgan Foundation. 


The annual cycling event raised $5.65 Million for specialized mental health care for youth at William Osler Health System.

The 18th annual Tour de Bleu cycling fundraiser, hosted by Mattamy Homes and the Peter Gilgan Foundation Pictured (L-R): Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO, Mattamy Asset Management and founder of Mattamy Homes; John Esplen, President and CEO, The Humberview Group; Luke Gilgan, Director, Peter Gilgan Foundation; Stephanie Trussler, Executive Director, Peter Gilgan Foundation; Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation; Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System.