Turning a passion into a purpose – local woman’s upcoming 800+ km journey to raise funds for Campfire Circle

Sandra Piccoli, 56, of Paris, is one of 51 riders who will participate in the R2//NYC, an 800+ km cycle from Toronto to New York City to raise money for Campfire Circle. Submitted photos

By Casandra Turnbull

There comes a time in your life when you want to make a difference. Sometimes that ambition aligns well with your own personal passion. That’s the case for 56-year-old Paris resident Sandra Piccoli who is putting her passion to a purpose next month to participate in the R2//NYC, an epic 800 km cycle from Toronto to New York City in support of Campfire Circle.

R2//NYC was founded in 2018 by a group of nine riders who took to the roads to raise money for children battling cancer. Since then, the event has continued to grow and gain momentum year over year. Piccoli learned of the fundraising ride from her friend, Derek Cardy, whom she cycles with often. Cardy competed in R2//NYC two years ago and it got the wheels turning for Piccoli

“He indicated he would be doing it again this year and put the invitation forward,” said Piccoli, who decided to participate because the impact Campfire Circle has on children is immediate and profound The Camp gives children a chance put their worries aside and escape to a place where they can simply enjoy the beauty of summer in the great outdoors, making friends, singing campfire songs and well, just doing the things kids should do. The influence of this camp is so great, it is often referred to as the social cure for cancer Campfire Circle has two campgrounds - Camp Ooch in Muskoka (founded in 1983) and Camp Trillium in Waterford (founded in 1984). Campfire Circle Muskoka is the only overnight oncology camp in Canada able to provide onsite IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions.

Piccoli has visited the camp in Muskoka, trekking 174 km by bicycle from Orillia to attend an open house for riders who support the camp through R2//NYC. She’s also visited Rainbow Lake Camp in Waterford, solo, cycling 131 km from Paris to Waterford

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Piccoli is excited to participate in this year’s R2//NYC She will be one of 51 riders making the 800+ km ride from Toronto to New York City. With over 9,300m of elevation, the ride is spread over five days from September 11 – 15th . Each rider must raise $5,000 to participate. That money is pure donation to Campfire Circle. Each rider funds their own fees to cover hotels and meals. This year, event organizers hope to raise a whopping $600,000, which is not a far-fetched goal considering 41 riders were able to raise over $750,000 during last year’s epic event. That money provided over 300 weeks of camp programs to kids affected by childhood cancer or serious illnesses. Since the start of the ride in 2018, Campfire Circle has received more than $2.1 million to ensure their vital services will continue to put a smile on kids’ faces across Ontario for years to come. While Piccoli’s goal is to raise the money and finish the gruelling race, she’s also developed some friendships along the way, meeting other riders who will be part of R2//NYC team. They all share one common goal – helping kids be kids and keep their spark alive while they battle childhood cancer.

Piccoli is a mother of two adult children - Spencer (26 years old) Emmett (25 years old). She’s a lifelong cycling enthusiast, picking up the hobby from her father who was an avid cyclist and raced from his early years until he was 75 years old That passion for hitting the open road was instilled upon Piccoli, who fondly remembers racing for a few years in her early teens. Unfortunately, back surgery put a near stop to all her favourite physical activities for a long time. Then came friends, marriage and a family.

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