It seems the people who have been the most affected by cancer are the same ones who get out and fundraise to try and bring an end to this disease.
Jane Beddows is one of those people. She has fought her own battle with cancer but the fun and camaraderie she had working with the police as a 911 call operator made her want to give back. She is passionate about Tour de Rock Cops for Cancer and has been for the past 16 years.
“One of the highlights in my life last year was fundraising for Steve (Martindale),” she said.
This year she is at it again organizing a Tour de Rock dinner for local riders Terry Curry and Doug Franklin. She is also doing it for the kids who have had their own battles with childhood cancer.
“A lot of the junior riders are kids who have gone through this in Sooke,” said Beddows. “It’s important to remember why we do this. The strides made with cancer research wouldn’t be possible without this.”
The money raised from Tour de Rock goes to pediatric cancer research and Camp Good Times, an internationally acclaimed and accredited summer recreation program that provides a unique summer experience for children and teens with cancer and their families.
Last year Beddows helped raise $12,000 for Cst. Steve Martindale’s Cops for Cancer ride. This year the Tour de Rock dinner takes place on Saturday, September 14 at the Legion. The evening will include dinner, a live and silent auction and music by Janet McTavish. The Sooke Harbourside Lions will be cooking the feast and the Lions Club will be manning the no-host bar. Auction items include a wooden bench donated by Bruce Butler, a ride in a firetruck and scads of other wonderful things. “The merchants are so generous, so good, people are bending over backwards to help,” said Beddows.
There have already been a number of fundraising events for Sooke’s two riders and $1,500 was raised at the recent bottle drive.
“The community has been amazing with their support,” she said. “We do what we can.”
The Tour de Rock riders will be arriving in Sooke on October 2, at 2 p.m. at Poirier elementary school. Beddows said this is the third year they have come into Sooke and she hopes the entire community will come out in support of the riders.
Tickets for the September 14 Tour de Rock dinner can be purchased at Shoppers and Peoples Drug Marts.