Graeme Loader’s life remembered with legacy ride to raise funds for wildlife conservation

Graeme dipping a wheel in the Pacific Ocean © Graeme Loader
Graeme dipping a wheel in the Pacific Ocean © Graeme Loader

On September 13, 2015, over 150 people came together to ride 20 km, or walk 4 km, through the streets of Aurora, Ontario, and the trails of the McKenzie wetlands and marsh in support of WWF-Canada. This devoted group came together despite the cold, wet and windy weather, to mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of Graeme Loader, an amazing young man whose journey cycling across Canada in support of wildlife conservation was tragically cut short when he was hit and killed by an SUV on the Trans-Canada Highway.
The Loader family, along with friends and community members, organized the fitting tribute called Graeme’s Cycle/Walk for Wildlife, because they wanted the wider community to embrace Graeme’s passion for cycling and the outdoors.
The Start Line © Chelsie Burke / WWF-Canada
The Start Line © Chelsie Burke / WWF-Canada

Graeme’s Cycle/Walk for Wildlife was made extra special thanks to members of the local business community. TREK was on hand to offer bike tune ups for riders. King Richard’s English Pub in Aurora has helped with Graeme’s journey since the start, and staff were at the starting line in full spirits; showing their support by offering refreshments and snacks to all who came. The post-ride gathering was also hosted by the pub, where owner Tim Brochu generously donated proceeds from the afternoon to WWF-Canada.
Participants heard speeches from Dave Loader, Graeme’s uncle, who shared some of Graeme’s last, powerful words: “I am where I am, because I am.” Graeme had added: “It’s incredible what can happen when you accept the unexpected and embrace every moment.” Participants also heard from David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada, who extended his appreciation to the family and community members who have made supporting WWF a large part of their tribute to this passionate young man who was also a talented nature photographer.
WWF would like to extend an enormous and heartfelt thank you to the friends, family, and members of the Aurora community that continue to support wildlife conservation. WWF is extremely fortunate to have supporters who dedicate their time and put in a tremendous effort to support WWF’s work across Canada and the world.
To recognize these outstanding individuals WWF has created the Graeme Loader Community Panda Award to not only honour Graeme’s memory and his significant contribution to this planet, but to also recognize others with a selfless and giving spirit like Graeme.