The 2024 Tour de Rock riders, who began their journey in Port Alice on September 21, have been dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer research and support services through the Canadian Cancer Society. Now in its 27th year, the ride concluded in Victoria on October 4. Recently, the riders made a stop at Save-On-Foods in Duncan, where they received donations from generous supporters.
The Cowichan Valley Dragon Divas, dressed in pink, raised their paddles as the riders, escorted by the police, passed through their archway. The Duncan Lions Club contributed a $5,000 cheque to the 2024 Tour de Rock riders, and the Duncan Elks presented a $2,000 cheque for the Canadian Cancer Society. Local residents cheered on community riders, applauding their efforts as they cycled for a cause. Their mission is to provide children battling cancer the opportunity to enjoy Camp Goodtimes and experience the joy of being kids.
Officers from the RCMP, alongside a group of first responders, media professionals, and community members, are participating in the Tour de Rock to raise awareness and funds for children affected by pediatric cancer. See the participant list here. Each participant, from different communities and professions, plays a vital role in uniting Vancouver Island to support this important cause.
Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock is an annual two-week, 1,200-kilometre bike ride on Vancouver Island. More than just a fundraiser, it’s the largest community event on the island, bringing together towns from Victoria to Port Alice to rally behind children battling cancer. The event’s success relies on community support, transforming the ride into a powerful movement of hope and care for those in need. Without this support, it would simply be a group of riders on bikes.
The idea for the Tour de Rock bike ride began in 1994 when Edmonton police officer Gary Goulet befriended a young boy with cancer named Lyle. This friendship inspired others to support families affected by cancer, sparking the creation of Cops for Cancer. By 1997, Cops for Cancer had spread to Vancouver Island, where local police in Greater Victoria wanted to take their fundraising efforts further. After brainstorming with the Canadian Cancer Society, they came up with the bold idea of a bike ride down the entire length of the island to raise money for children battling cancer. You can support Tour de Rock and donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Last year in Canada, about 1,050 children, from newborns to age 14, were diagnosed with cancer. Over the past ten years, the Canadian Cancer Society has invested $35 million in this cause. This investment has had a significant impact – the five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has increased from 71 per cent in the 1980s to 84 per cent today.
Source: Comox Valley Record