Fundraising is underway, and cyclists are getting ready to ride 200 km in support of hospices across Vancouver Island.
The Cycle of Tour is held every year, with teams taking part in a friendly competition to raise money for each respective hospice, culminating in the “double century” ride from Victoria to Salt Spring Island and back on Aug. 26 and 27.
A team of 10 called the “Cyclepaths” from the Comox Valley is raising money for the Comox Valley Hospice Society, which provides end of life care for palliative patients as well as emotional support for family caregivers and the bereaved.
It is an important fundraiser for the society as 75 per cent of its operating costs are funded through individual donations. Last year, the tour was able to fundraise over $80,000 for the Comox Valley location alone.
“So, it’s super important that we do the best we can for them, and we raise money for end-of-life care,” said rider and board director Raida Bolton. “Not only for the person, but for their family and their loved ones for grief support.”
For Bolton, it will be her fifth ride for the hospice after experiencing the benefits the society provides for end-of-life care.
“My dad was in hospice care six years ago and it was a game changer moment for his care to have him under their care and taking care of him comfortable for his last few weeks,” said Bolton. “It really touched me personally and so the ride was a perfect way to pay it back for their care of him.”
Bolton adds that when they are out in the community fundraising, they hear many stories about people who have been impacted by hospices. For fellow rider Keith Pistell, these experiences and stories have led him to participate in his second ride in a row.
“A lot of people either know a great deal about hospice or they don’t know what it is,” said Pistell. “For me, I’ve had some close personal friends and family go through hospice care and it was an amazing experience.
“It not only provides dignified end of life care for people, but also takes that off the people and family that are visiting so you can just focus on just being with your friend in their final moments.”
Fundraising is open into September, and opportunities to donate can be found on cycleoflifetour.ca, the Comox Valley Hospice Society or through a link on Instagram and Facebook.
Pistell says they are behind in donations compared to last year, but they will keep working to get enough money raised. Both he and Bolton add the experience is very rewarding and describes the Comox Valley community well.
“The Comox Valley has always been a very generous community, it’s not hard to find support for a good cause here, so many people believe in that sense of community and support each other,” said Pistell. “It makes it easy to do what we’re doing and other people that are volunteering and fundraising in the valley.
“It’s never hard to find people that are willing to step up and others who are willing to open their wallets and make a contribution because at the end of the day, that’s what keeps this machine rolling.”
