The arrival of the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock in Ladysmith and Chemainus is still more than two weeks away, but there are lots of ways to support the cause leading up to the main event.
In Chemainus, plans are underway for a new fundraising event, The Great Hair Event, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1-4 p.m. at the Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre.
Along with head shaves, there will be music, games and burgers barbecued by Jen Prunty, a 2013 Tour de Rock (TDR) rider and former North Cowichan police officer, to raise money for Camp Goodtimes, a camp for the children who have survived cancer or are undergoing treatments.
Jan O’Neill, a volunteer with the Cowichan Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society and co-chair of the TDR committee, says the Great Hair Event is something new for 2013, as they wanted to “pump things up” this year.
“We’re really hoping for a fun day,” she said.
Urban Legends is sending two hairdressers to the event, and as of Monday, five people had signed up to have their heads shaved — including Chemainus Theatre Festival volunteer Eric Marshall and North Cowichan Mayor John Lefebure.
“Head shaving has become synonymous with Tour de Rock fundraisers because so many people, when they undergo chemotherapy, they lose their hair,” noted O’Neill.
Anyone wishing to participate in this head shave can call O’Neill at 250-246-5351 to register or donate towards a shave. Donation forms can be picked up from the Chemainus Theatre, and people can donate at www.tourderock.ca or at the event.
In Ladysmith, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (LDBA) is promoting an “adopt a rider” program.
For a $50 donation to TDR, the LDBA will provide you with a sign showing sponsorship of your rider. You, an employee, a friend or neighbour will then be asked to hold up that sign on First Avenue while the riders cycle into town Monday, Sept. 30.
Then you can head down to the Ladysmith and District Credit Union (LDCU) parking lot and have a professional photo taken of you and your rider.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a rider can contact Cathleen McMahon at info@mmgrp.ca or 250-668-3338.
Local residents can make a tribute to a cancer survivor or anyone who has made a difference in the fight against cancer through the LDCU’s Wall of Heroes mural. For a minimum $50 donation, artist Kelly Everill will write the name of your cancer hero in a rock on the hand-painted mural beside the Credit Union at 330 First Ave.
To be included on the Wall of Heroes for the 2013 Tour, donations and names should be received by Sept. 23.
Leading up to the TDR riders’ arrival, there are a number of ongoing fundraisers.
Vancouver Island Insurance Centre in Coronation Mall is hosting a bike draw to support TDR from now until Sept. 30. Make a donation to TDR and be entered to win one of three bikes.
The Junction Bottle Depot is onboard, and people are invited to return their bottles and cans to 149 Oyster Bay Rd. and tell the attendant to donate the money to TDR.
From Sept. 23-29, Tim Hortons will support TDR through sales of Smile Cookies.