Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock

Tour de Rock is a two-week bike ride down Vancouver Island by a team of first responders, raising money for children and their families affected by pediatric cancer. Since 1998, Tour de Rock has raised more than $26 million, including more than $600,000 raised by Shawnigan Lake School over the last 25 years.

 

The event on Tuesday featured a spread of delicious food prepared by Mr. Dustin Setso and the kitchen staff. Grade 11 students Diesel J. and Khanya M. were the first to have their heads shaved after raising more than $15,000 and nearly $2,500, respectively, through their donation pages at the Canadian Cancer Society website. The celebrations continued with pie throwing for students who made big donations to the cause — targets included one of the Tour de Rock riders, Shawnigan teachers, and Head of School Mr. Lamont. Further activities included more head-shaving, and inflatable horse races, all soundtracked by a lively mix of music.

 

On Wednesday morning, the riders rolled through the gates through a phalanx of students and staff clad in maroon T-shirts bearing the word “aspire.” Chosen by the Grade 12 students, the word will serve as a theme for the school year. The back of the shirts includes the definition — “To reach beyond the ordinary and strive for the exceptional; to stretch as a community to be the best that we can be” — and the translation of the word in French (“s’efforcer”) and Hul’qumi’num (“kw’I”).

 

Once inside the gates, the riders stood on the steps of Marion Hall, with the students gathered in the Quad. The riders introduced themselves, and students Caitlin P. and Sophia W. spoke about the impact that cancer has had on their lives. Co-Heads of School Ingrid H. and Henri G. also presented the riders with a cheque for $32,000 before they continued their journey down Vancouver Island.