Powell River RCMP constable Alex McNulty is training for his second Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast. The tour begins in Vancouver, then ascends to the Sea to Sky corridor and finally winds its way through the picturesque but hilly Sunshine Coast.
Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast 2024 is an annual ride where police agencies and emergency service personnel cycle for eight-days across 800-kilometres of the BC coast, raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.
This year's ride begins on September 13 with McNulty arriving in the qathet region on September 16.
"Each rider has an obligation to fundraise a total of $6,000 in order to participate in the ride," said McNulty. "Our charity hockey match between Powell River RCMP and Powell River Fire Rescue in April raised over $15,000 as a whole and was split between both charities."
McNulty said the funds go to the cancer society and Camp Goodtimes.
"I'm hoping that between school and business visits, as well as the community dinner, we can raise an additional $7,000," said McNulty. "This year I am looking forward to interacting with the local schools during our day in Powell River.
“The kids really enjoy having all the police motorcycles drive by them, cheering them on.”
This will be the 25th year of Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast.
Camp Goodtimes provides an opportunity for families who have a child diagnosed with cancer to have fun and connect with a community member who shares similar experiences.
"This will be my second tour, having completed last year's event," said McNulty. "The training has been tough, however I’m hoping for another sunny tour this year."
Tour de Coast riders will arrive at sḵelhp (Saltery Bay) the morning of September 16.
"We will ride up from Saltery Bay early in the morning and ride to Lund that afternoon," said McNulty. "We will ride out of town the following morning at dawn."
However, there will be times for the cyclists to rest and socialize. Carlson Community Club is hosting a beer and burger night that same evening. Riders will also be making the rounds visiting elementary schools in the city during the day.
To support McNulty, go to his donation page on Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer website at support.cancer.ca. In order to reach the link from a search engine, go to: Canadian Cancer Society, donate to a team, search McNulty and follow the instructions on the webpage.
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