First Constable Ben Stewart chased a “prisoner” for 21 kilometres in uniform at last month’s April Fool’s Run. Now he’s setting his sights on the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast, an 800 km cycling tour of the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast, North Shore and Greater Vancouver.
This year, approximately 40 police officers and first responders will be taking up the challenge, with the aim of collectively raising $525,000 for cancer research and support programs. So far the group has raised more than $136,290.
“It’s pretty much a year-round program,” said Ninon Daubigeon, race coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, who was on the Sunshine Coast working with Stewart and the organizers of the Ladies Red Serge Gala, a local fundraising event that raises tens of thousands of dollars each year in support of the cause. “Sechelt has been a big support,” Daubigeon said.
So far, Stewart has raised $5,000, thanks in part to donations from the April Fool’s Run, as well as through family and friends. Detachments across the Lower Mainland and on the Sunshine Coast are also selling raffle tickets in support of the cause. Stewart, who has cycled the annual event since 2013, said the Sunshine Coast always raises the most per capita of all participating regions.
This year, money raised will go towards pediatric cancer research and he is working to include some events at schools within the district. The participants will be cycling through the Sunshine Coast on Sept. 20. “I’ve seen people hand out money to racers – you don’t see that in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. It’s pretty cool riding on the Coast,” Stewart said.
As the sun brings in spring, it’s also a signal for Stewart to ramp up his training, which hasn’t been a problem for him this year, since he’s also planning to compete in an Iron Man. “I’ve got my shiny new bike and I’m out on the road now. I’m a fair weather rider,” he said.
Stewart is driven by the personal toll cancer has taken on his family. His mother died of cancer and his father is in remission. “Everyone knows somebody with cancer – it’s not a rare thing. It’s something we all deal with as a community.”
Those interested in donating can visit Stewart’s fundraising page via convio.cancer.ca.
