KEN ALEXANDER
Observer Reporter
Quesnel resident Les Nylen is embarking on his third annual motorcycle rally fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society-British Columbia/Yukon and Cops for Cancer in particular on Victoria Day (May 22).
Folks will recognize Les as he was a cyclist in the Cops for Cancer Tour de North the past two years.
He’s not riding this year because Quesnel RCMP Cpl. Steven Pelletier has taken up the mantle.
Nylen says the motorcycle rally is a fundraiser to support Pelletier, who has to collect a minimum of $3,000 to participate in the The Tour de North.
Nylen adds he still wants to help out with fundraising and raising awareness of pediatric cancer reasearch.
“This is in honour of my daughter, Kristen Nylen, who passed away three years ago from cancer.
“At the time, she was 27. She was diagnosed at the age of 13 with a brain tumour.
Nylen says this is why there is the link with pediatric cancer research and to the summer camp called Camp Goodtimes (www.campgoodtimes.org).
Noting Camp Goodtimes is “amazing,” Nylen says Kristen went to the summer camp.
“It’s a place where kids, who are suffering with cancer, can to just go to be a kid again and forget that they’re dealing with the stuff and just have a week of fun.”
He notes there are doctors, nurses and counsellors available for the children, their siblings and parents.
“Everybody there is suffering from sort of cancer-related issue. Your life changes completely after you get a diagnosis.
“There’s water sports, games, sing-songs and camping. It’s a break for everybody – the kids, parents and siblings.”
The fundraising motorcycle rally will be leaving McLeese Lake (Oasis Pub parking lot) at noon on May 22.
People don’t have to register for the ride, Nylen says, adding riders usually start gathering around 11 a.m.
“Whoever wants to come and ride is welcome. The motorcycle fraternity is pretty neat – you get people from all walks of life and riding all types of bikes.
It’s not exclusive to any kind of bike; everybody is welcome to join the ride.
Nylen says they had 50 riders the first year and people from the Prospectors Car Club joined the ride last year.
“It’s a fundraiser and we can give people a receipt upon request.”
The group will ride together to the Canadian Tire parking lot in Quesnel and arrive around 12:45 p.m. for a barbecue.
Members of the public can drop by to check out the bikes and cars, buy a hotdog and drink and pick up a few raffle tickets for donated prizes, he says.
“I cannot say enough about Steve Dewling and his staff who are really helpful with the whole thing.
“You ask Steve for help, and he’ll ask you, ‘What can I do’.”
Nylen says he wants everyone who participates know they are appreciated.