Cyclists in the Cowichan Valley, are joining forces for hospice care on Vancouver Island through the 9th Annual Cycle of Life Tour fundraiser. Every dollar raised makes a difference for local patients and families in need of compassionate end-of-life care.
After a successful one-day ride last year while under COVID restrictions, the full two-day ride is back. The Cowichan Life Cyclers will ride 200 kilometers on July 16 and 17. As of June 22, the team had raised more than $22,000.
David Pope, Cowichan Life Cyclers team member and long-time supporter of Cowichan Hospice, has witnessed the impact of compassionate hospice care.
“When I lost both of my parents, my dad died in a hospice and my mother in a care home,” he said. “The hospice experience was so supportive of my father, myself and my family that I want it to be available to others. Since becoming involved with Cowichan Hospice, I have become aware of just how much the valuable support is available to its clients, and that it is provided free of cost to them. I have been involved in many fundraisers to support hospice services and can say that Cycle of Life is physically challenging, emotionally rewarding and the most fun!”
Team leader Mary Hof said she’s inspired to help however she can, and that in this case, it’s on her bike.
“This is my fourth year and my supporters are incredible, which is what keeps me going. I am 65 years old, mother of three kids, and four grandsons. I love where I live, and love supporting a beautiful community. I ride for my dad who died in 2017.”
Fellow rider and Cowichan fundraiser Rachel Anderson will ride for someone close to her heart.
“I’ll be on my summer wheels for the Cycle of Life Tour, riding so that all can be afforded a gracious dying, something I witnessed for my mother-in-law in hospice and something I pray for my own mother.”
To make a donation to the Cowichan Life Cyclers, visit Cycleoflifetour.ca.
Cowichan Hospice is a registered charity that has been providing compassionate support to the Cowichan community for 40 years, thanks to the generous support of the community.