Reflecting on the Impactful Tuggle Trek 2023: A Journey to Honor Ed Tuggle
The inaugural Tuggle Trek, a nearly 1,000 km cycling event held in honor of our leader Ed Tuggle, brought together a community united by a shared purpose. As members of DAD Sales, we had the privilege of witnessing the tremendous impact Ed had on our industry and the lives he touched. Standing at the finish line, we were deeply moved by the outpouring of support and the remarkable achievements of this meaningful journey. We can’t thank the organizers, sponsors, support teams and of course the riders enough.
Ed Tuggle was not only a colleague and leader but also a cherished friend who embraced life with passion and resilience. Sadly, his battle with cancer ended in September 2022, leaving a void in our hearts and the industry he loved. The Tuggle Trek was conceived as a tribute to Ed, an opportunity to celebrate his life, and to carry forward his legacy.
On a sunny May morning, a group of over 20 cyclists embarked on the Tuggle Trek, ready to conquer both physical and emotional challenges. Special thanks for this years organizers, Daryl Witiuk, George Balla, Michael Hurd and Nathalie Lajoie. The Tuggle Trek brave riders were Aaron Klejman (Shawflex), Mark Harvey (Gerrie Electric), Daryl Witiuk and George Balla (Northwinds Corporation), alongside the support from Michael Hurd, Ian Rand, Michael Raquidan and Corey Ward with a group of volunteers, led the charge. Although DAD Sales was not represented on the bikes, we stood proudly at the finish line, ready to welcome the riders with open arms and a cold beer.
Over seven days, the cyclists embraced the arduous yet breathtaking 1,000 km route. With unwavering determination, they pedaled through stunning Canadian landscapes (with a shocking amount of hills), encountering unpredictable weather and unforeseen obstacles along the way. Each day, the riders dedicated their efforts to individuals whose lives had been impacted by cancer, symbolizing the purpose behind their incredible journey.
Behind every successful endeavor stands a dedicated support team, and the Tuggle Trek was no exception. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the remarkable individuals who volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the safety and well-being of the riders. The support team, consisting of Ian Rand, Michael Hurd, Michael Raquidan, Corey Ward, and others, played an invaluable role in keeping the cyclists hydrated, nourished, and motivated throughout the trek.
As the riders approached the finish line in La Malbaie, Quebec, our hearts swelled with pride. At DAD Sales, we stood ready to greet them, acknowledging their remarkable achievements and the indelible mark they made in the fight against cancer. Together, we celebrated the culmination of this extraordinary journey and honored Ed Tuggle's enduring legacy.
As we reflect on this transformative journey, we eagerly anticipate the Trek's return next year, bringing us together once again to honor Ed Tuggle and make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer. We are thrilled to announce that next year's conference will be held in Banff, in our own back yard DAD Sales. This proximity allows us to continue honoring Ed's legacy while supporting the fight against cancer in a location that holds special significance for our team.
In conclusion, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who participated, sponsored, supported, and volunteered for the Tuggle Trek. Together, we have proven that through unity and shared determination, we can create positive change and honor the memory of our remarkable friend, Ed Tuggle.
To learn more about the Tuggle Trek and how you can make a difference, please contact us at DAD Sales until more details are finalized.
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is a national, not-for-profit industry association that represents over 220 member companies that manufacture, distribute, market, and sell a wide range of electrical and automation products. EFC members contribute over $10B to the Canadian economy and employ over 43,000 workers in more than 1,400 facilities across the country. EFC empowers the industry with market intelligence, professional development, and a voice for advocacy and standards advancement within a safe, sustainable, and collaborative environment.