Ukee’s RCMP are asking locals to help them spread some love to kids who need it.
The local police detachment is hosting a garage sale, barbecue and bottle drive on March 5 to raise money for Cops for Cancer.
The event is being organized by Naomie Swann and Carrie Midlane and will see RCMP staffers and volunteers filling the UAC Hall—1510 Peninsula Rd.—with fundraising festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We are asking for anyone from the community with garage sale or bottle donations to drop them off to the detachment until March 4,” Midlane said. “We will use these items to hold a garage sale by donation. We will also have a BBQ going with the members manning the grill and collecting bottles.”
She noted the local RCMP hosted a similar event two years ago that raised over $2,000 for the cause and she hopes to see locals ring in similar success this year.
“They can come do a little shopping, have lunch made by the [RCMP] members and drop off their bottles all while supporting a great cause,” she said. “Everything will be by donation and all proceeds will go to Cops for Cancer.”
Cops for Cancer is focused on paediatric cancer research.
“Your donations fund the best pediatric research and life-saving clinical trials in Canada. Researchers are working to improve the detection and diagnosis of cancer and to find more effective, safer treatments,” according to its website.
The organization also supports Camp Goodtimes, which provides fun and positive experiences for children and families living with the disease.
Midlane is confident Ucluelet will answer the call for support and noted the community is not one to let a good cause pass by.
“Looking back on other events, like the Stuff the Cruiser we recently held at Co-op to support the Food Bank on the Edge, the generosity of this community was overwhelming and so greatly appreciated,” she said.
“Thanks to the community of Ucluelet for their generosity and support for fundraising efforts and community events such as this. Ucluelet is a great place to live.”
Cops for Cancer is best known locally for its annual Tour de Rock ride where police officers from various Island detachments cycle over 1,000 kilometres together to raise funds and awareness.
Midlane noted the organization’s efforts are year-round and said the Ucluelet RCMP hopes to kick up a committee to keep the fundraising train rolling.
“We are starting a committee made up of anyone from the community that wants to come up with other fundraising ideas and help to implement them,” she said. “It’s a great way to show your support.”
Anyone interested in joining the committee, or supporting its efforts, is encouraged to contact Midlane at the Ucluelet RCMP detachment: 250-726-7773.