March 13/08 9:56 am - B.C. Cyclists Training for 7,600 km Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

Posted by Editoress on 03/13/08
 

B.C. Cyclists Training for 7,600 km Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

Two Kelowna cyclists have committed to being national riders in a 19-day, 7,600km ride across Canada this June which will help kids and families fight the devastating effects of childhood cancer. Riders will raise funds through pledges and will have the opportunity to dedicate their ride to a child or loved one who has been impacted by cancer. The event is expected to raise $1.5 million in the first of what will be an annual event.

Jenn Davies and Lisa Currer are two of three B.C.-based national riders out of a national total of more than 50 who will start in Vancouver on June 2, 2008 and arrive in Halifax on June 20, 2008.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride will take them through more than 200 cities and towns across the country, and along the way they will meet up with thousands of local cyclists participating in stage rides. The ride is being organized by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which runs physically challenging cycling events in support of kids facing cancer.

"This is a very special initiative for all of us at Sears and an important cause to our associates and customers," said Darcy Smith, Store Manager, Sears Kelowna. "We are hoping that everyone in our community will join us on March 15th to show their support to Jenn and Lisa as they train for this incredible journey. Their determination to ride from coast-to-coast is an inspiration to all of us."

Jenn, a Registered Massage Therapist, and Lisa, a graphic artist by trade, are new to Kelowna, coincidentally both arriving last July from Ottawa and Saint John respectively. They each came in search of adventure and a healthy lifestyle, and met in Kelowna. Both are now training everyday, and will be at the Sears store in Orchard Park Mall on March 15 as part of a fundraising campaign to raise money and awareness.

"I am blessed with healthy children and cannot imagine the devastation of parents whose children have been stricken with cancer," said Jenn, who participated in other Coast to Coast Against Cancer events before moving to Kelowna with her husband and two kids. "This is a huge commitment and the ride will be difficult, but none of it will be as hard as getting up everyday and facing chemotherapy. I want to give something of myself to families who are struggling, and to set an example for my children and community."

Lisa Currer started biking with the "Quick Chicks," a women's recreational cycling group based in Saint John, shortly after moving to New Brunswick in 2001. She moved to Kelowna last summer to be a full-time student at UBC.

"The 'QCs' taught me about the joys of cycling with a group," said Lisa. "When I heard about Jenn getting involved in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride I was really inspired by the energy being focused on tapping into cycling communities across Canada to build resources for kids and families. Too many of us have friends or family members who have dealt with cancer first-hand. I am looking forward to being part of an incredible cause in support of children and families dealing with this terrible disease."

Jenn has set a fundraising goal in this event of $50,000. Lisa's goal is $20,000.

Their first public training appearance will be at the Sears store in Orchard Park Mall, located at 1400 - 2271 Harvey Avenue, on Saturday March 15, 2008. They will be training inside the store from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Shoppers are invited to come by, learn more about the ride and make a financial contribution in support of kids fighting cancer. Jenn and Lisa are grateful for the assistance of Sears store manager Darcy Smith and his team in helping them raise awareness and funds for this cause.

"The Okanagan is a special place and Lisa and I agree that we have both had the privilege of connecting easily with others in our community who have big hearts and are like minded and spirited," said Jenn. "We will be the ones doing the actual ride but it's this Valley, as a community, that is going to make the difference with their donations, in the lives of kids with cancer."

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that conducts cycling and other active lifestyle events to raise awareness and funding for charities that help children and their families deal with cancer. Whenever possible they leverage corporate sponsorships to ensure individual donations raised through their events go directly to the childhood charities they support.