On Tuesday Sept. 12 keep your eyes peeled on Highway 97 for a swarm of cyclists making their way north from Williams Lake.
RCMP members and Emergency Services personnel will be rolling through town as part of Cops for Cancer’s 16th annual Tour de North, an 850 km endurance cycling event that takes place every September to fundraise for children with cancer.
The 25 cyclists will ride north for seven days, travelling from Williams Lake to Dawson Creek and stopping in communities along the way.
Eighty per cent of what is raised B.C.-wide will be donated to pediatric cancer research, and 20 per cent to Camp Goodtimes, an award-winning summer camp for children and teens affected by cancer.
Quesnel’s Canadian Tire store will be hosting a barbecue on Sept. 12 from 4-6 p.m., and invite members of the community to come down, make a donation, cheer on the cyclists as they arrive and hear their inspiring stories.
“We will be welcoming the riders as they come in, offering hotdogs and water by donation, and all proceeds go to Cops for Cancer,” said Canadian Tire spokesperson Desiree Forman.
Steve Dewling, the owner of Quesnel’s Canadian Tire, said: “For me, I lost my dad a few years ago to cancer so I try to help the organization as much as I can when I can. I was new to the area last February, and when they asked me if I wanted to get involved with Cops for Cancer, I said, ‘Absolutely.’ It’s a worthwhile cause.”
On Sept. 13 Quesnel’s Integris Credit Union will host the cyclists for a team breakfast before they mount their bikes and trek 120 km to Prince George.
Integris branch manager Sheri Coles said: “Integris is proud to support the Tour de North. Each time the riders come through Quesnel the staff hosts their breakfast. They are up before dawn and come to the branch bearing food to warm the riders’ souls and fuel their bodies through to the next meal.
“They also stuff the riders’ pockets with trail mix and fruit. It is amazing how good we feel after doing it.”
Cops for Cancer started in 1994 when an Edmonton police sergeant met a five-year-old boy with cancer and decided to shave his head to show his support. The organization now hosts many fundraising events over the year.