Fundraisers in Victoria have raised a whopping $1,136,396.65 for cancer research in the city’s annual Tour de Rock event.
For over two decades Tour de Rock has been a staple of cancer fundraising for children diagnosed with the often fatal disease.
See also: Victoria woman seeks public help in finding stolen Tour de Rock bike (PHOTOS)
The team, comprised of first responders, government works, teachers, media professionals, and special guests raised this money to support kids battling cancer on Vancouver Island, and also fund a much-deserved visit to Camp Goodtimes.
Parents and students at both Oak Bay and Reynolds high schools have raised a combined total of over $150,000 towards Cancer Research for this year’s fundraiser which ended last Friday October 4th.
51,038! WOW! Students of @sd61reynolds have a proud and rich history of supporting Tour de Rock. The gymnasium was loud and electric! Thank you for everything you do #forthekids #yyj #tourderock pic.twitter.com/YM4mYXhmQc
— Tour de Rock (@TourdeRock) October 4, 2019
Along the way, cyclists participating in the 1000 km journey make several stops at the various fundraising schools and locations. The Vancouver Island ride goes through 27 communities, beginning at Port Alice and ending in Centennial Square.
On Friday night, the finale of the event was celebrated with an announcement of the amount of money raised by the riders: a whopping $1,234,002.75.
Background
Cops for Cancer began in 1996, when Edmonton police officer Gary Goulet shaved his head to support a young boy who’s fight with cancer robbed him of his hair. Soon after, fellow officer shaved their heads and posed for pictures with the boy.
In 1998, officers on Vancouver Island were inspired to do more than shave their heads for Cops for Cancer – they launched the first Tour de Rock.
In its inaugural year, Tour de Rock raised $325,000, and had a team of 16 police officers.
So far, this annual event has raised a total of over $26 million.
