Former resident returns to Chatham for 500-km fundraising ride
A former Chatham resident will ride more than 500 kilometres through rural roads around the city this weekend to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent.
Shawn VanGassen, who now lives in San Diego, plans to retrace a route he first rode in 2025 to honour his mother, Patricia, who died recently. The family requested donations to the local Alzheimer Society at her funeral, and VanGassen said he chose the organisation as the beneficiary for this year’s ride.
VanGassen intends to begin his trek at 6 a.m. on Saturday and finish about 10 a.m. on Sunday, giving himself an extra four hours in case supporters arrive later. His planned course will follow Riverview Line to Prairie Siding and return to Chatham along Grand River Line. He will repeat that loop 25 times, which totals just over 500 kilometres.
"I [added] four hours in case some people want to show up," VanGassen said.
What residents should expect
Drivers travelling along the named rural routes this weekend may encounter VanGassen and a group of supporters accompanying him. He said friends and family will be on hand throughout the ride "just to make sure I'm okay."
- Start time: 6 a.m., Saturday
- Finish time (planned): around 10 a.m., Sunday
- Route: Riverview Line to Prairie Siding and back along Grand River Line, repeated 25 times
How to donate and support
People who want to support the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent can donate using several methods. The organisation accepts donations online, by phone with a credit card at 519-352-1043, by mail or cheque, or by visiting its office on Memory Lane in Chatham.
| Donation method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Via the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent's website |
| Phone | Credit card donations: 519-352-1043 |
| Mail or cheque | Sent to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent office |
| In person | Visit the office on Memory Lane in Chatham |
VanGassen first did a similar ride in 2025 and said the return to his hometown this year is both a personal challenge and a way to give back to the community that supported his family. The ride will span rural roads that connect farmland and small settlements to Chatham, highlighting the blend of urban and agricultural landscapes that define the region.
The event is modest in scale but significant in local impact. It draws attention to the services the Alzheimer Society provides in Chatham-Kent, including support for caregivers and people living with dementia, and it offers residents a chance to contribute directly to local programming.
Organisers advise motorists to be attentive on Riverview Line, Grand River Line and surrounding roads this weekend. While VanGassen and his support crew intend to manage safety during the ride, the presence of cyclists and support vehicles could slow traffic or require brief manoeuvring by drivers on narrow rural routes.
Those planning to come out to cheer should respect the rider's safety and the surrounding farmland: remain off private property, follow directions from support crew members, and use designated turnout areas where available.
For more information or to make a donation, contact the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent by phone at 519-352-1043 or visit their office on Memory Lane in Chatham.
This story will be updated if more details about support points, exact start location or scheduled stops become available.
