Spin-a-thon raises thousands for Cops for Cancer

Delta Police officers cycled for cash recently at Thrifty’s in Tsawwassen in a highly successful fundraising event for Cops for Cancer.

More than $9,000 was raised at the June 9th event in support of the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley team.

DPD constables Jeremy Pearce, Terra Schmuland, Bianca Boyce and Grayson Hawkings were joined on the stationary bikes by fellow officers including Chief Neil Dubord and Deputy Chief Michelle Davey for the day-long event.

Pearce, who is the veteran on the team, said the day exceeded their expectations.

“The goal was $5,000 and we raised just a little over $9,200,” said Pearce. “We had tremendous support from our Delta citizens and local businesses. Thrifty’s and Town Centre Mall were just incredibly supportive – we could not have these events without them.”

The annual ride sees law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle hundreds of km to raise money for cancer research. COVID-19 has shortened this year’s tour to five days (Sept. 20 to 24) that will feature various stops throughout the Fraser Valley.

The DPD officers will be joined by fellow officers from Chilliwack, Hope and Surrey RCMP detachments, along with BC Sheriff and BC Correction officers. The goal is to collectively raise $250,000 with various fundraising activities already underway.

Tour de Valley is one of five charity rides held across the country, all to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society’s childhood cancer research. Tour de Coast is the other B.C. team and is joined by Tour de Rock, Tour de North, Tour de Golden Horseshoe and Pedal for Hope.

Pearce said another fundraising event is in the works for later this summer.

While that is being organized, all four officers will be doing their own personal fundraising, as well as training and preparing for the ride in September.

“This [the ride] is one of those experiences I highly recommend for any police officer to do just once,” he said. “It’s such a humbling experience to meet the people involved – our junior riders – who have been impacted by cancer and their families. This is also a way to incorporate our community policing goals and initiatives as well. It’s a way of being visible in the community, talking with people and interacting with the public.”