Vaughan, ON (Oct. 3, 2025) – The community came together in full force on Sunday, September 28 for the 11th annual Ride for Mackenzie Health, raising more than $400,000 in support of Mackenzie Health’s two hospitals — Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
Over 300 cyclists of all ages and skill levels took to the road for routes ranging from 40K to 100K. After crossing the finish line, participants, families and volunteers celebrated with delicious refreshments, live entertainment and an energetic post-ride party that showcased a true spirit of community.
This year’s Ride was co-chaired by community leaders Peter Cortellucci and Cecilia Carbonelli, whose personal health care experiences made the cause especially meaningful.
“I’ve always been active, but after a disabling soccer injury that required three surgeries at Mackenzie Health, the Ride became the perfect way to give back to the hospital that helped me get back on my feet,” Peter said. “Seeing the results firsthand, from new equipment and expanded services to hearing stories of lives transformed, it’s powerful to know our efforts through the Ride make that possible.”
For Cecilia, the Ride represents both resilience and community connection. “After being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2020, cycling became my path back to normalcy,” she said. “The Ride felt like a natural extension of that journey — it was local, supportive of our hospitals and it felt like home. Knowing that funds raised will directly support hospital programs and services makes it even more impactful.”
Mackenzie Health Foundation President and CEO, Nicole McCahon, noted that the Ride continues to grow in impact and community reach. “Ride for Mackenzie Health is a shining example of what happens when our community comes together for a shared purpose,” McCahon said. “The generosity of our riders, sponsors, donors and volunteers is ensuring exceptional care is available close to home for everyone in western York Region.”
Funds raised through the event will help Mackenzie Health invest in leading-edge equipment and technology, expand programs and services and ensure the growing western York Region community continues to have access to high-quality, patient-centered care.
“Every dollar raised through the Ride translates into real improvements at our hospitals — from new equipment that allows our teams to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, to expanded services that help us meet the needs of one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario,” said Mary-Agnes Wilson, Interim President and CEO of Mackenzie Health. “With demand for care steadily increasing, community support is vital in helping us provide the safe and compassionate care that patients count on.”
The Ride’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of presenting partner, CIBC, along with valued sponsors including Cortel Group, Zancor Homes and Greenpark Group. Their commitment helps ensure that Mackenzie Health can continue delivering leading-edge care today and for generations to come.
It’s not too late to join this year’s impact. Donations can be made at MHFRide.ca until Friday, October 31, 2025. Together, we can continue to strengthen health care in western York Region.
About Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider. Mackenzie Health includes Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, each with a full-service emergency department, core services such as surgery, medicine and critical care along with specialized programs. Its community-based locations and services continue to provide additional support to western York Region and beyond.
By inspiring meaningful gifts, Mackenzie Health Foundation helps ensure compassionate and leading-edge care continues to be available for the people of York Region. Community donors recently helped build and equip Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital thanks to the generous support of the $250-million Ultimate campaign – the largest campaign led by a community hospital in Canada. Going forward, fundraising efforts will ensure a steady flow of resources to attract the very best talent, advance excellence in programs and services and secure the latest equipment and technology as Mackenzie Health focuses on providing the best possible outcomes for every patient who comes through its doors.
Mackenzie Health is proud to serve a population of more than half a million people across western York Region and beyond. It is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca or mackenziehealthfoundation.ca.
Media contact:
Christina Cindric, Senior Communications Consultant and Public Affairs Lead
christina.cindric@mackenziehealth.ca
905-883-1212 ext. 7490
Local government representatives joined Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation leadership to cheer on riders at the 11th annual Ride for Mackenzie Health held at Westlin Farms on Sept. 28, 2025.
From left: Peter Cortellucci, Ride co-chair, Michael Guglielmin, MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge, John Fursey, Chair of the Mackenzie Health Board of Directors, Cecilia Carbonelli, Ride co-chair, Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan, Anna Roberts, MP for King-Vaughan, Mary-Agnes Wilson, Interim President and CEO of Mackenzie Health, Nicole McCahon, President and CEO of Mackenzie Health Foundation, Mario Paura, Chair of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors.
Ride co-chairs, Peter Cortellucci (centre) and Cecilia Carbonelli (right) congratulate riders as they cross the finish line at the 11th annual Ride for Mackenzie Health held at Westlin Farms on Sept. 28, 2025.
Ride co-chairs, Peter Cortellucci (left) and Cecilia Carbonelli (right) look on as riders take off at the 11th annual Ride for Mackenzie Health held at Westlin Farms on Sept. 28, 2025.
Mackenzie Health Foundation celebrates the $400,000 (and counting!) raised in support of Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and Mackenzie Health’s network of community-based locations at the 2025 Ride for Mackenzie Health.
From left: Mario Paura, Chair of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors, Mario Cortellucci, Peter Cortellucci, Ride co-chair, Nicole McCahon, Mackenzie Health Foundation President and CEO and Cecilia Carbonelli, Ride co-chair
More than 300 cyclists of all ages and abilities joined the Ride for Mackenzie Health at Westlin Farms on Sept. 28, 2025 raising funds for local hospitals.