After seven days spent on the road, 14 law enforcement, community members and emergency services personnel completed the 850-kilometre Tour de North, arriving in Williams Lake on September 13.
A partnership between The Canadian Cancer Society and local first responders, the annual event raised $150,999 that will be directed towards life-saving childhood cancer research and a national support system for families affected by cancer.
“I am extremely proud of our entire team. At times it was grueling but we also shared many uplifting moments. Most importantly, we were motivated and inspired by the impact we knew we were making on children and their families,” said Peter Wharton local Cops for Cancer rider.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Cops for Cancer once again hosted four cycling tours across British Columbia in 2022. Throughout Tour de North, participants made tour stops at events across Northern B.C., engaging with communities and schools while raising funds to save and improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, both locally and across the country.
“The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of childhood cancer research in Canada and an advocate for better support for families,” said Georgia Hennessy Jackson, Manager of Fundraising Communications for the Canadian Cancer Society. “None of the work we do would be possible without the Cops for Cancer program. We are extremely grateful to our first responder partners across the province, and for the contributions of our generous sponsors and donors.”
An estimated 1,050 children (ages 0-14) in Canada were diagnosed with cancer in 2021. Over the last 5 years, CCS has invested $16.4 million in childhood cancer research projects. This investment is contributing to improved outcomes, as the 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer is now 84 per cent, an increase from 71 per cent in the 1980s.
Anyone wanting to learn more about the program or donate can visit www.copsforcancer.ca