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Bluewater International Granfondo launches Bites on Bikes

Providing healthy meals for the frontline workers and their families at the Bluewater Health Foundation in Ontario during Coronavirus

As Frontline staff at Bluewater Health and First Responders face ever increasingly difficult scenarios, it is important to ensure these essential workers and families get nutritious meals and know they are appreciated.

B.I.G. Bites on Bikes is a grassroots organization set up in conjunction with Bluewater International Granfondo and is looking to initially raise $10,000. Further community participation will be encouraged by directing interested participants to visit bwhf.ca and enter BIG Bites in the comment box. “It is so important that we support those working around the clock to keep our community safe as they handle this ever increasing demand" says Ken MacAlpine, organizer of B.I.G. Bites on Bikes.

B.I.G. Bites on Bikes has teamed up with renowned foodie Steph Purdy from Red & Ko. Steph and her team at Red & Ko have completed a custom B.I.G. Bites on Bikes menu that will provide healthy meal selections for the frontline workers. In addition Red & Ko will sources ingredients locally as it is important to help our community during the lockdown. Steph has stressed that she has all required certification to deliver food to the hospitals. "Only the chefs cook... All volunteers wear masks, hair nets, aprons while handling food." She said they followed a "strict" regime washing hands, sanitizing and wearing gloves.

A delivery network consisting of a number of the B.I.G. Monday night guides has been established and will be coordinated through Bluewater Health Foundation. This system will not only guarantee prompt delivery but will also direct deliveries to the Bluewater Health site where meals are required in addition to routing meals to the homes of self quarantined workers.

The food will not go just to doctors and nurses but to others playing a vital role in keeping the hospitals running - from security guards to cleaning staff and of course First Responders.

It is also very important that the families of frontline workers are looked after as these diffcult times can place a high level of stress on households. Frontline workers spirits can be lifted knowing someone has taken the time to provide a hot meal for their families at home when they just don't have time available to prepare food or they are self-quarantining and cannot be there to cook.

Kathy Alexander, Executive Director Bluewater Health Foundation adds: "We are grateful to the organizers of B.I.G. Bites on Bites for coming together to deliver healthy and delicious meals as a way to thank and acknowledge the tremendous efforts of frontline staff and ?rst responders. The concept of B.I.G. Bites on Bikes compliments the existing efforts of the Granfondo to both encourage healthy living and to enhance healthcare in our community. Thank you BIG Bites!"

Ken McAlpine continued "3 weeks ago I started a new initiative called B.I.G. Bites on Bikes. Community response has been excellent and I have been able to raise enough money so far to deliver 1000 plus meals over the next 10 weeks  .. in the last seven days we have delivered 80."

About Bluewater International Granfondo 

Ontario’s Number #1 Gran Fondo is currently scheduled for August 2, 2020 along the sunny shores of Lake Huron. There are four routes of 30 (for families), 50, 100, and 150 km available to suit all abilities of cyclists from all of which will take in some outstanding views of Lambton County including finishing along the stunning shores of Lake Huron.

There is no start to finish time as in traditional racing formats but rather timed sections that count toward the rider’s competition time. This means you can take your time between race sections, stop at the Fuel Stations and regroup to enjoy the ride with your friends and teammates.

At the finish a hot meal and beverage awaits you as well as finisher medals. You can cool off with a refreshing swim in Lake Huron prior to relaxing to live music, while enjoying a well-deserved beer or soft drink along with some very tasty food. It is a must do for both cycling enthusiasts and first timers!

In 2019 the B.I.G. raised over $60,000 and in four years the event has raised over $200,000 dollars.

Since, its inception, the Bluewater International Granfondo has SOLD OUT well in advance, entries have increased to 1,000 places.

For more information, please visit; http://www.bigf.ca

Photo: Pictured are representatives from the Bluewater International Granfondo, Bluewater Health, and St. Joseph’s Hospice. From L to R: Stephanie Purdy (BIGF), Ken McAlpine (BIGF), Larry Lafranier (St. Joseph’s Hospice), Dr. Glenn Maddison (Palliative Care Physician), Jody McGregor (BWH), Ryan Bell (BIGF), Bob DeRaad (BWH), and Kathy Alexander (Bluewater Health Foundation).

Providing healthy meals for the frontline workers and their families at the Bluewater Health Foundation in Ontario during Coronavirus

About Bluewater Health Foundation

Since 2003, the sole purpose has been to raise funds to support our community hospital, Bluewater Health. We envision a healthy community sustained through a culture of generosity, while creating, inspiring and cultivating expressions of generosity to equip Bluewater Health in its care for our community.

For more information, please visit: visit bwhf.ca

Photo: Cyclists will take in some outstanding views of Lambton County including finishing along the stunning shores of Lake Huron

take in some outstanding views of Lambton County including finishing along the stunning shores of Lake Huron