Small community fundraising events are making a difference in the fight against cancer.
It’s the kid’s lemonade stands, backyard barbecues and community garage sales that are combining to raise the majority of money for the Tour de Rock every year, said Jennifer Sears, Tour de Rock community fundraising coordinator for mid-Vancouver Island.
Some kids are even donating their birthday money to the cause.
“They are really community events,” said Sears.
Money donated to the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock supports pediatric cancer research and programs, as well as Camp Goodtimes for children, teens and young adults with cancer or are cancer survivors.
Sears said the camp enables kids to forget about cancer while they are there and just have fun.
“The camp is amazing … it’s unbelievable,” said Sears.
Sears said community fundraising events held every year also help raise awareness about Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, a two-week bicycle ride across Vancouver Island that began in 1998. The team of police officers and invited riders cover 1,000 kilometres during the tour.
Black Press is represented on the tour by Kyle Slavin, a reporter in Greater Victoria.
People interested in creating a fundraising event can contact Sears at 250-713-5880 or go to www.tourderock.ca for more information. Sears said Tour de Rock can help promote the event and other resources.
Several fundraising events are already scheduled for Nanaimo.
Mid-Island Co-op is hosting its International Year of the Co-operatives Celebration Saturday (Aug. 11) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bowen Road location. The event features a Tour de Rock fundraising hotdog barbecue and free entertainment for families.
On Aug. 24, Tour De Roof at Port Place Mall at Thrifty Foods will feature Nanaimo riders Cpl. Norm Smith and reserve Const. Chris Fernandes trying to earn their way off the roof with donations. The event features entertainment and a barbecue.
The Tour de Rock Red Serge community dinner is Sept. 30. Tickets are available at the Canadian Cancer office, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union on Aulds Road and the Inn on Long Lake.
On Oct. 1, Tour de Rock riders roll into town on their way down the Island. People can meet the riders from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Diana Krall Plaza and enjoy entertainment.
reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com