News

A Ride to Remember: Cycling Without Age Launches at St. Joseph's Care Group

Date: 2026-07-31

For many of us, a bicycle ride is a simple pleasure - a chance to feel the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the world around us.

For many people, changes in mobility can make it difficult to experience that simple joy. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Tbaytel, the dedication of St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, and the expertise and support of Fresh Air, that experience is once again becoming possible.

A generous donation from Tbaytel to St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay funded the purchase of the initiative's first passenger trishaw, bringing Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group to Thunder Bay. Beginning with clients at Hogarth Riverview Manor, trained volunteer pilots will provide safe, comfortable rides that create opportunities for clients to enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and the simple joy of a shared ride. Each ride offers more than transportation; it creates opportunities to connect with others, share stories, and experience the joy of being outdoors together while reconnecting with the outdoors and their community.

The initiative was officially launched this week at Chapples Trail, where St. Joseph's Care Group, St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, Tbaytel, Fresh Air, volunteers, clients, and community partners gathered to celebrate this exciting milestone. Although rain was part of the celebration, it did not dampen the joy of the day. There were smiles, laughter, and even a few happy tears as the first passengers experienced the simple joy of feeling the breeze on their faces once again, reminding us of the impact community generosity can have in enhancing quality of life and creating opportunities for clients to reconnect with the outdoors, their community, and shared experiences.

"Quality care is about so much more than meeting physical needs. It's about supporting the whole person and creating opportunities for joy, connection, and meaningful experiences," said Andrea Docherty, Vice President, Clinical & Community Health, St. Joseph's Care Group. "Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group will help clients reconnect with their community and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors, regardless of age or mobility. We are grateful to Tbaytel, the St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, Fresh Air, and everyone who helped make this experience possible."

Part of an international movement, Cycling Without Age is founded on the belief that growing older or experiencing changes in mobility should never prevent someone from experiencing the freedom, connection, and happiness that comes from being outside. Around the world, the initiative has demonstrated that something as simple as a bicycle ride can reduce social isolation, spark treasured memories, and strengthen relationships between passengers, volunteers, families, and the community.

"Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group is a wonderful example of what happens when generosity meets compassion," said Steve McAuley, Chair of St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay. "Every donor hopes their gift will make a real difference in someone's life, and this initiative does exactly that. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Tbaytel as our founding Sponsor, along with the support of our community and the expertise of Fresh Air, we are creating experiences that restore freedom, inspire conversation, and bring genuine joy to the people we serve. These are the moments philanthropy makes possible."

"Tbaytel is delighted to be the founding Sponsor for Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group," said Paul Norris, President & CEO of Tbaytel. "As a community-owned organization, we believe in investing in initiatives that strengthen health, well-being, and meaningful connections throughout Northwestern Ontario. This program reflects those values by providing clients with opportunities to reconnect with their community, experience the outdoors, and create moments of happiness that will be remembered long after the ride is over. We are proud to partner with St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, St. Joseph's Care Group, and Fresh Air to make this vision a reality."

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Fresh Air, whose passion and expertise were instrumental in selecting the specialized trishaw and ensuring its safe assembly and readiness for service. Their partnership has helped launch this initiative and will help create opportunities for clients to safely enjoy the outdoors for many years to come.

Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group is creating opportunities for clients at Hogarth Riverview Manor to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and experience the simple joy of a shared ride. Through the generosity of Tbaytel, the leadership of St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, the commitment of St. Joseph's Care Group, the expertise of Fresh Air, and the dedication of volunteers, clients will enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and opportunities to reconnect with their community.

With continued community support, the initiative will expand to benefit clients across St. Joseph's Care Group, creating more opportunities for clients to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and experience the simple joy of a shared ride.

Join Us in Expanding the Journey

Every ride begins with generosity. While this celebration marked the launch of the first Cycling Without Age trishaw at Hogarth Riverview Manor, our vision is to bring this experience to clients throughout St. Joseph's Care Group. Community donations will help fund additional trishaws, volunteer training, and expansion, ensuring more people can experience the freedom, connection, and joy that comes from a simple ride outdoors.

To support Cycling Without Age St. Joseph's Care Group, visit www.sjftb.net or call 807-768-4440.

About St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay

St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay inspires philanthropy and champions generosity to support and advance the mission of St. Joseph's Care Group. Guided by the compassionate legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Foundation connects donors and community partners with opportunities to enhance care, improve quality of life, and invest in the health and well-being of people throughout Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

About St. Joseph's Care Group

Since 1884, St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) meets the people of Northwestern Ontario where they are on their wellness journey, supporting them to achieve their highest quality of life. Offering a broad range of programs and services in Mental Health & Addictions, Rehabilitative Care, Long-Term Care, Housing with Supports, and N'doo'owe Binesi (Indigenous Health) across more than ten sites in the city of Thunder Bay, we continue advancing our vision of providing wholistic people-centred care, creating healthier communities.

About Tbaytel

Tbaytel is dedicated to delivering telecommunication and entertainment solutions that ensure people, businesses and communities in northern Ontario have multiple points of access to the global communications highway. Tbaytel offers the region's largest cellular coverage area, including state-of-the art 5G voice and data services, in addition to an extensive local and regional fibre network delivering voice, internet, phone, security and TV services. With over a century of contributing to the quality of life, infrastructure and economic health of the north, Tbaytel's understanding and commitment to northern Ontario is unparalleled.

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For more information, please contact:

St. Joseph's Care Group
Communications & Government Relations
Media Line: 807-768-4455 | Email: sjcg@tbh.net