The 2019 Tour de Rock team included 21 riders from all across Vancouver Island. The group raised more than one million dollars for childhood cancer research. (Tour de Rock Instagram)

By Kyle Ireland

tour complete

Tour de Rock Team raises more than $1.1 million to help end childhood cancers

Oct 14, 2019 | 12:02 AM

NANAIMO — The fundraising numbers are in from the 22nd Annual Tour de Rock.

In 2019, the group of riders helped raise $1.13 million to help fund pediatric cancer research.

The two week trek started on Sept. 21 in Port Alice and saw the group ride approximately 1,110 km across Vancouver Island. The group arrived in Victoria on Oct.4.

Tour de Rock Coordinator Georgia Hennessy Jackson told NanaimoNewsNOW, the group made more than 200 stops to various schools, businesses and community events.

“It’s pretty inspiring to visit small towns, the people share the belief of the Canadian Cancer Society, that one child with cancer is one too many.

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The Tour is one of the biggest fundraising events on the Island. The goal for this year’s ride was $1.3 million, and Hennessy Jackson added funds are still being collected.

“Raising as much as we can is our main goal but connecting with communities across the Island during the ride is an important part for us too” said Hennessy Jackson.

The journey to $1.13 million was led by first time rider Cassie Loveless from Ladysmith. She broke a a 22 year old fundraising record.

“With the support of many people in Ladysmith raised over $100,000 for the cause which is a truly phenomenal achievement”

Loveless’ tally came to $103,621.07.

Nanaimo RCMP’S Cydney MacNeill was the sixth highest individual contributor with $22,032.13 raised.

“Ultimately we want to do ourselves out of a job,” Hennessy Jackson said. “We will continue to ride every single year until we don’t have to anymore.”

Organizers of the ride are in the process of thanking everyone who helped out with this year’s campaign.

Recruitment for the 2020 ride will begin in early January.

Kyle.Ireland@jpbg.ca

On Twitter : @Kyle_Ireland31