Long distance biking is new to Const. Tom Stewart but for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer, Tour de North, he’s willing to climb aboard.
“They were looking for a Quesnel rider and although I’ve been a long distance runner, I’ve never done distance road rides,” he said.
He added several family members have battled cancer and this is also motivating Stewart to participate.
Between 14 – 15 riders head out from Fort St. John Sept. 9, cover about 100 km a day, and finish in Williams Lake Sept. 15.
The riders make a stop in Quesnel, Sept. 14.
In addition to a lot of bicycle training (about 100 km a week), Stewart is also fundraising as each participant is expected to raise a minimum of $2,500.
Stewart is kicking off his fundraising efforts at Boston Pizza June 10, between 6 – 8 p.m., where customers will be shown to their seats by the Quesnel RCMP officer, complete in his red serge dress uniform.
There will be a donation box on the front counter and Stewart is hoping for big tips to help the cause.
Over the summer he has other fundraisers planned to help meet his goal.
Stewart has been in Quesnel for a year and loves it here.
“I’m pleased to be representing Quesnel in this event,” he said.
Stewart went on to say he’d be happy to partner with local businesses in any creative fundraisers they might be considering, just give him a call at the detachment, 250-992-9211.
Funds raised through Cops for Cancer are focused on childhood cancers.
Every kilometre they ride, every community that welcomes the tour, every dollar donated helps children fighting cancer.
Every fall more than a hundred members of law enforcement and emergency services cycle up to two weeks across four areas of British Columbia to support children with cancer and their families.
Donations to Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, Tour de North, Tour de Valley and Tour de Coast are invested in lifesaving childhood cancer research and caring support services including the acclaimed summer recreation program, Camp Goodtimes.
Donations to Stewart’s ride may be made at the Quesnel RCMP Detachment. For information, call Stewart, 250-992-9211 or Canadian Cancer Society, Quesnel Branch’s Cathy Briggs, 250-747-2510.