Kawartha ATV Association Reaches $100,000 Milestone for Care at Ross Memorial Hospital

By Scott Arnold

A decade of trail rides has turned into a remarkable community legacy, with the Kawartha ATV Association surpassing $100,000 in donations to support patient care at Ross Memorial Hospital.

the kawartha atv associations poker run has now raised over $100,000 for the ross memorial hospital foundation (photo courtesy of the ross memorial hospital)

What started as an annual day on the trails has grown into one of the Kawartha Lakes community's most successful fundraising traditions.

Following this year's Poker Run on June 6, the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) presented $15,579.44 to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation, bringing the group's total donations over the past 10 years to $100,008.44.

The milestone was reached thanks to another strong turnout for the event, which welcomed 218 adult riders, 11 youth participants, 50 volunteers and support from more than 50 local businesses and community partners. An anonymous donation also helped push this year's fundraising total over the six-figure mark.

Over the past decade, money raised through KATVA's Poker Runs has supported several important initiatives at Ross Memorial Hospital, including the Emergency Department expansion, the creation of the Mental Health Emergency Services Unit, and equipment and patient care needs in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Operating Room and Diagnostic Imaging Department.

Reaching $100,000 in lifetime giving also earns the association Founder-level recognition on the 1902 Society Wall in Ross Memorial Hospital's main lobby.

"This is something every member of the KATVA family should be proud of," said Rhonda White of KATVA. "Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community, supporting projects that benefit everyone."

With one major milestone now in the books, the group is already looking ahead. The next KATVA Poker Run is scheduled for June 5, 2027

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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