An 800-kilometre fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society and pediatric cancer programs wrapped up last week, but not before cyclists participating in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley made a stop at the Surrey RCMP detachment.
The visit was among 80 stops the team made over the course of the ride, which took place from Sept. 22-30.
Participating in Tour de Valley was a way for Surrey RCMP Const. Alexandre Levesque to combine his love of biking with his role as a police officer, in support of a good cause.
Levesque joined the Surrey detachment in July 2015, and names a spot on the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team as among his future career ambitions.
“I always believed that the RCMP would offer many career and life opportunities, and that belief has been confirmed during my time with Surrey Detachment,” Levesque said in a news release. “To be given the chance to participate in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley and give back to the bravest young people I’ve ever met is truly an honour.”
Levesque and his teammates – who hailed from numerous other law-enforcement agencies – spent their days off last summer training for the bike ride and fundraising for pediatric cancer programs such as Camp Goodtimes, which enables children, teens and the families of those affected by cancer the chance to connect with others facing the same struggles in a fun and supportive environment.
Lower Mainland District Cmdr. Bill Fordy – Surrey RCMP's then-Officer in Charge – who joined the tour for a day on Sept. 24, described the detachment's participation as an honour.
"Many of us have lost colleagues or family members to cancer," Fordy said in the release. "The Surrey RCMP is honoured to participate in this ride every year and assist in raising funds and awareness for cancer programs and research.”
The ride also included stops at more than 30 schools. The final day included closing ceremonies, songs and head shaves, including by Coast Capital Savings' chief marketing officer Lawrie Ferguson, and executives Bruce Schouten, Ian Thomas and Rajeev Shankar – an effort that, on its own, raised more than $20,000.
Allan Mugford, regional director for the Canadian Cancer Society, described the 2016 Tour team as "amazing."
“Seeing this group come together and ride in support of childhood cancer research and Camp Goodtimes is inspiring and we genuinely thank each of our riders, crew and community supporters for making a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer."