Pouring rain didn't dampen the spirits of hundreds of riders as they took part in B.C.'s largest cycling fundraiser for cancer research on the weekend.
More than 1,500 people rolled into Chilliwack Heritage Park for the annual two-day Tour de Cure event in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.
This year, the ride raised $7.3 million. To date, more than $131 million has been raised to support the foundation since the fundraiser began in 2009.
The cyclists made a 200-kilometre trip – or 260 kilometres for those on the ‘Challenge Route’ – through the Fraser Valley from Cloverdale to Hope from Aug. 24 to 25 with an overnight stop in Chilliwack.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of our Tour de Cure riders, sponsors and volunteers, BC Cancer is pioneering life-saving research and transforming care,” said Sarah Roth, president and CEO of BC Cancer Foundation. “It is a privilege to ride along this dedicated and passionate community, united in our commitment to create a world free from the fear of cancer.”
Every year, more than 30,000 British Columbians are diagnosed with cancer and the event’s impact reaches every corner of the province.
The fundraiser is presented by Wheaton Precious Metals. Funds from Tour de Cure have supported crucial programs at the foundation including, fuelling cutting-edge immunotherapy research, helping establish Canada’s first provincial lung cancer screening program and supporting more than 100 clinical trials annually.
