Cops for Cancer exceeds fundraising goal
When the Cops for Cancer Tour de Golden Horseshoe wrapped up at Montebello Park in St. Catharines, the 28 riders — personnel from Niagara Regional Police, RCMP and Niagara Emergency Medical Services — celebrated not only the end of an epic cycling trek, but also that their $130,000 goal had been far surpassed.
In the fight against childhood cancer, riders presented a cheque for $175,960 to the Canadian Cancer Society Friday.
The 400-kilometre ride was an Ontario first. The idea to hold the Niagara ride came from Niagara Regional Police Deputy Chief Bill Fordy, who participated in Cops for Cancer rides in British Columbia. Chief Bryan MacCulloch quickly came on board.
“Pediatric cancer touches every person, every family,” Fordy said during a Wednesday stop, two days into the ride.
While he admitted the 100-kma-day journey was a tough task, it was all worth it given the cause of helping raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in children under the age of 15.
“The fatigue we feel, the pain we feel, pales in comparison,” Fordy said.
It was an inspiring effort, Karen Vierson, senior manager of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Niagara community office, said Thursday during a stop at St. Martin Catholic Elementary School in Smithville.
“What they’re doing is incredible. There’s so much energy and enthusiasm and it’s just been a real impressive experience,” said Vierson.
The funds raised, she said, will support the society’s work, including cancer support programs such as the local Wheels of Hope program which helps patients and their families get to cancer treatment appointments, life-saving research and clinical trials.
“We wouldn’t be able to do our work without community support,” said Vierson.
It’s through partnerships like the Tour de Golden Horseshoe, and the generosity of the community that allows the society to assist children and families impacted by cancer.
“From the riders to the support of Meridian Credit Union and everyone else who donated to it, it has been a perfect example of how a community can come together to make a difference,” Vierson said.
The riders also inspired students, stopping at local schools in addition to businesses during their trek. St. Martin principal Christopher Zanuttini said his school was thrilled to have the cancer society invite them to be a stop.
“This was a great opportunity to support an incredible cause in our community, and for our students to learn something,” said Zanuttini, noting the riders’ messages about health and fitness were important for students.
While the ride may be over, there is still time to donate toward the initiative at http:// copsforcancer.ca.