Pedaling away to end childhood cancer
Law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle across BC to
raise money in support of the Canadian Cancer Society's
childhood cancer research and support services
VANCOUVER, Sept. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - This month, hundreds of police officers and emergency services personnel from across BC will cycle thousands of kilometres to raise funds for pediatric childhood cancer research and support programs for children with cancer and their families.
As part of the Canadian Cancer Society's Cops for Cancer campaign, these riders will visit businesses and schools to raise awareness and funds in the following tour locations:
- Tour de Coast (Greater Vancouver): September 20 to 28, 2017
- Tour de Valley (Fraser Valley): September 21 to 29, 2017
- Tour de Rock (Vancouver Island): September 23 to October 6, 2017
Tour de North (Northern BC) successfully wrapped up their tour on September 18, 2017.
"I'm so proud to be part of Cops for Cancer and supporting a cause near and dear to my heart," says Constable Jeff Palmer with West Vancouver Police Department. "More than 80% of childhood cancer patients will survive five years past diagnosis but we need work together to raise as much money as possible so that we can boost the survival rate to 100%."
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Cops for Cancer as the Tour de Rock first began back in 1997. Since this time, Cops for Cancer in BC has raised more than $40 million for the Canadian Cancer Society. Funds raised go directly to childhood cancer research and caring support programs like Camp Goodtimes, which provides a safety-focused, medically-supervised, fun and recreational experience for children with cancer and their families.
In addition to engaging law enforcement and first responders, Cops for Cancer also rallies British Columbians in the fight against childhood cancer. Communities along the tour routes rally behind the riders by organizing incredible local fundraising events and welcoming the tours with celebrations, dinners and cheque presentations. To donate and support the tour, visit copsforcancerbc.ca.
"At the Canadian Cancer Society, we are thrilled to mark the 20th anniversary of Cops for Cancer and are so thankful for the cumulative efforts of riders and tour organizers who give countless hours in order to help us make a difference in the lives of children facing cancer," says Brooke Sherwood, Senior Manager, Annual Giving, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon. "While progress is being made, we know that more needs to be done because every year almost 950 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer in Canada. We believe that one child with cancer is one too many and it's thanks to generous supporters that we're able to make a difference."
About Cops for Cancer
Cops for Cancer is an annual event through which law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle across Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Northern BC and engage communities on-route in raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Coast Capital Savings is the official 2017 Cops for Cancer Tour Sponsor for Tour de Rock, Coast and Valley.
Canadian Tire is the official 2017 Cops for Cancer Tour Sponsor for Tour de North.
For more information about Cops for Cancer tours, visit copsforcancerbc.ca.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, CCS has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).
SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
Stephanie Michaelides, Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, 416-323-7039, [email protected]
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