The Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast ended this week (Sept. 27) with local riders raising nearly $39,000 to help find a cure for childhood cancer.
The tour saw 32 riders from law enforcement and emergency service agencies bike more than 900 km between Sept. 19 and 27 to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Each rider was responsible for raising his or her own funds, and many put on fundraisers in their individual communities to gain more money for the cause.
The entire Tour de Coast team of riders raised more than $200,000 this year. That total doesn't include other Cops for Cancer rides being done around the province, some of which won't be complete until Oct. 6.
Coast Reporter caught up with Sunshine Coast RCMP officers Kyle Hrynyk and Harrison Mohr while the Tour de Coast team biked through Sechelt last week. They were excited about the tour and what it was accomplishing.
"I've really enjoyed stopping at schools and getting to meet the kids. It gives me extra inspiration to go further every day and make a difference for them," Mohr said, noting students at schools on the Coast were very welcoming. "A lot of the kids know about cancer and understand what it's all about. Many of them have been touched by it."One local boy, Oscar Dorval, who is the little buddy for Hrynyk and Mohr, was hoping to meet up with riders earlier this week.
"He thinks it is pretty cool that he is this year's buddy," said Oscar's mom Angela Cruikshank in an email to Coast Reporter Tuesday. "We hope that he will catch up with the riders somewhere this week. Right now he is on the Coast enjoying a couple of days with me and my family."
Oscar underwent major surgery on Aug. 29 when he had the top lobe of his right lung removed. After the surgery, all visible cancer was gone from the four-year-old boy and Cruikshank said he is now recovering nicely.
Oscar received some chemotherapy last week and there will be a few more rounds to come, but the family is hopeful this will be the last time Oscar has to fight the terrible disease.
Mohr and Hrynyk were pleased Oscar could join them at the Red Serge Ladies' Gala fundraiser on Sept. 13, just two weeks after his surgery.
"He is just a great little guy and even though he couldn't stay very long we really appreciated the time we got to spend with him," Hrynyk said. "I hope we get to see him again soon."
At the gala, the officers raised $32,500 for their cause, making this year's gala the most profitable one yet. Add that to their individual fundraising totals and the final number raised by the duo is $38,821.79.
They credit the generosity of the local community for the grand total.
"The whole Sunshine Coast community is just fabulous and the turnout at the gala was amazing," Mohr said. "It's obvious everyone is behind us all the way."
If you would like to give to the effort, but missed your chance during local fundraisers, the team is still accepting donations on-line at www.copsforcancer.bc.ca. Just click on the donate button and search for either Mohr or Hrynyk's names to add your funds.
