Before the cyclists had crossed the finish line, the Cops for Cancer “Tour de Valley” fundraising ride was already well over its target.
By the time the riders rolled through Langley, the Canadian Cancer Society website was reporting the total amount raised at more than $520,000, well above the goal of $450,000.
On Tuesday, Sept. 18 the Cops for Cancer “Tour de Valley” stopped at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School to be greeted by students, staff, and parents and to pick up a $1,000 donation.
Several cities south of the Fraser River were destinations for the tour as riders trek 800 kilometres northwards from Langley to Boston Bar, then south to Tsawwassen and White Rock.
Donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society through Cops for Cancer are used to fund research and support programs like Camp Goodtimes.
Cops For Cancer @tourdevalley is in Delta today! All are welcome to come to our headquarters in Ladner at 4455 Clarence Taylor Way to cheer on the riders as they arrive at noon. There's a BBQ lunch, with a minimum $5 donation. All proceeds to Cops for Cancer. pic.twitter.com/dCY1eLSU92
— Delta Police (@deltapolice) September 19, 2018
Cops for Cancer started in 1994, when Sergeant Gary Goulet of the Edmonton Police Service met Lyle Jorgenson, a five-year-old boy who had cancer.
After learning that Lyle was being ridiculed at school because of his hair loss from chemotherapy Goulet convinced his colleagues to shave their heads in solidarity.
Since 1997, Cops for Cancer has raised more than $42 million for childhood cancer research and support services for patients and their families.
More than 900 Canadian children are diagnosed with cancer each year.
It is the leading cause of disease-related death in children under 15.
READ MORE: Coverage of the 2017 ride
dan.ferguson@langleytimes.com
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