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AUGUST 28, 2025
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A Ruffin’s pet is a happy pet!
Cycling trek raises over $300,000 for HN hospice J.P. ANTONACCI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Norfolk County man who cycled from British Columbia to Port Dover to raise money for Haldimand-Norfolk’s first hospice in his son’s memory made it home safely Sunday, August 17, greeted by a crowd of hundreds at a local park. As of Monday afternoon, Dan Johnson’s cross-country trek had brought in $301,000 and counting for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice in memory of eight-year-old Luke Johnson, who died of cancer last summer after spending three weeks at a Brantford hospice. The ‘Live Like Luke’ fundraiser on two wheels started in Vancouver on Canada Day. On Sunday, Johnson pedalled the final 10 kilometres to Silver Lake Park in Port Dover accompanied by about 160 cyclists. He rode his late son’s BMX bike, which he chose for the last leg of a journey that garnered headlines and donations across the country. Johnson told the crowd he rode 5,000 kilometres “to honour the life and spirit of Luke — who he was, what he stood for, how he lived.” “Sadness, absolutely. Luke’s not here,” said Johnson, who spent most of the 48-day trek cycling alone, with his wife, Jill, and their children, Hosanna and Pearce, following close behind in a recreational vehicle. “But joy because we accomplished what we set out to do,” he said.
Coen and Lucca Lamberton, visiting from Alberta, dash through the Kinsmen Simcoe Splash Pad.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Kinsmen Splash Pad needs renovations CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The sound of children’s laughter as water sprays them under a hot summer sun… That’s the sound that has been heard for the past 20 years at the Simcoe Splash Pad, which has bene-
fited countless children and families. But the fully accessible and free 4,500-square-feet splash pad is in need of major renovations. The Simcoe Kin Club, supported by the Norfolk Community Foundation, is seeking help to benefit future generations from businesses, service clubs
and individuals. It will cost an estimated $80,000 to replace the concrete pad, and complete piping repairs. Donations are currently being accepted for the revitalization project, which will begin next spring. You can visit norfolkcommunityfoundation.
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