The West Coast’s Tour de Rock fundraising wheels are spinning strong.
The second annual Cops for Cancer Spin-a-thon is coming up on July 14 with philanthropic pedalling set to fill the Ucluelet Co-op’s parking lot from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The more money that is raised helps to send more children to Camp Goodtimes as well as funding paediatric cancer research,” said Const. Marcel Midlane of the Ucluelet RCMP, who is a member of this year’s Tour de Rock Cops for Cancer bike ride, sponsored by Black Press and the Westerly News.
Fundraising team member Gaylene Thorogood said the community’s second Spinathon will be a blast.
“We’re going to keep bikes going all day to raise money and awareness for Cops for Cancer and Tour de Rock,” she said. “We’re asking people to come out, keep the bikes going, get a team together, dress up and have some fun. If you don’t have a team, you’re still welcome. You can come get on a bike for a little bit and hang out with us.”
She added that Kara Stevens of Body by Kara is signed on to provide leg-churning motivation.
“She’s going to keep us moving and rocking and energized,” Thorogood said.
“It’s a heck of a lot of fun and you’re supporting a great cause. It’s Tour de Rock and we’re supporting Marcel this year so you’ve got to come out and cheer us on.”
She added a fundraising barbecue will also be on hand for bike-shy locals to support the cause. Anyone interested in signing up for the Spin-a-thon should reach out to Thorogood at 250-726-3700 or the Ucluelet RCMP detachment at 250-726-7773.
Midlane himself will be pedalling at the event, which will serve as a warmup for the gruelling trek he and his Tour de Rock teammates will make the following day as they’re scheduled to cycle up Mount Washington on July 16, according to Thorogood. Midlane was announced as a member of the team in May and he told the Westerly News the West Coast’s community support has been amazing so far.
“I always appreciate all the help that community members give to make fundraising efforts successful,” he said.