A ceremonial turtle release took place in Wingham Wednesday in honour of a cyclist who sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car three weeks ago.
Around 130 turtles were released into the Maitland River as part of a fundraiser for Julie Sawchuk - a cyclist who was struck by a car on Blyth Road on July 29.
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The turtles were released in conjunction with the Huron Stewardship Council and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
The high school teacher is in London hospital being treated for a broken back and broken ribs.
“Last year she spotted a spotted a snapping turtle that had been hit by a vehicle,” Selena Hazlett, Julie’s friend, told CKNX News while the turtles were being released, “ She knew through her science connections to contact the Huron Stewardship Council. They had to put the turtle down, but they were able to save eggs from it. I believe this past spring is when her and her class brought the turtles down and released them.”
Over $18,000 has been raised for Sawchuk’s recovery through this crowd-sourcing page.
Sawchuk's blog can be found here.
A 47-year-old Dungannon man has been charged with failing to turn left to avoid a collision with a bicycle in connection to the case.
