This year will mark the 28th anniversary of the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock and fundraising is in full swing for the Ladysmith riders.
The annual event is dedicated to raising money for children, and their families, suffering from the effects of cancer as well as the pursuit of pediatric cancer research.
The local volunteer Tour de Rock committee, along with help from the Eagles Club, held their first fundraising event of the year Saturday, July 5. Not having tried staging a beer and burger evening before, the volunteers dove head first into the job. What seemed like a chore turned out to be a far easier project than what anticipated.
“Selling the tickets, we thought, was going to be the hard part,” said project chair Krista Aurala. “Folks were phoning for tickets. The Tour has a dedicated following and people wanted to be on board. The support from the Eagles and the Auxiliary really went a long way in making it a success."
The event was held in the Eagles hall and their members did the cooking of the burgers and added a couple of salads as well. As well as the dinner, guests had the opportunity to win a door prize, donated by Kerrie Vockeroth, and there was also a 50/50 draw won by John Shaw.
This year there are two riders in the Tour de Rock representing the Ladysmith area. Bruce McKenzie, a member of the North Oyster Fire/Rescue department and Mackenzie Read, lifetime Ladysmith girl who is now a Chek news journalist, are both participating. Members riding in the Tour de Rock are expected to do their own fundraising and during the beer and burger evening the local volunteer committee presented the two riders with cheques for $5,000 each.
The Tour will be doing its first “mock run” on Saturday, Aug. 16. That’s the day of the Ladysmith Show ’n’ Shine and according to the tour director it’s their favourite stop. The riders get to spend about 20 minutes walking around chatting with spectators.
“The atmosphere is so relaxing and welcoming,” they said.
Sunday, Sept. 14 will be another fundraiser for the Cops for Cancer when the local Loggers’ Sports exhibition returns to Transfer Beach. The committee organizes this event so that it can be a free family fun time. The amphitheatre is transformed into a logging arena and the sound of chain saws, axes and such ring out. Members of the Tour de Rock will also be in attendance.
The Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock officially arrives in Ladysmith on Monday, Sept. 29. Their arrival time is still being finalized but the group makes a stop at the local Tim Horton’s for picture taking and then they will proceed to the Ladysmith high school where they will be in attendance for the school's Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony.
Monday evening, Sept. 29, is the highlight of the Ladysmith stop, as it’s the annual Red Serge Dinner. All the Tour riders and some of the escort team attend a special dinner, in their honour, at the Eagles hall. The volunteer committee host the event, along with the Eagles, and it’s a truly fun event with a great meal, some games and an auction of donated articles. Tickets are $30 a person and will be available for purchase soon.
