Ride for cancer research this summer

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is holding a virtual fundraising race this year, allowing cyclists to raise money for cancer research and care.

The organization has held a cycling race to raise funds for cancer each of the past 12 years, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for research and care. This year’s event, the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, is being held virtually across the province on Aug. 28.

The virtual event allows the Alberta Cancer Foundation to reach more communities across the province, according to the organization. Cyclists can participate from anywhere in Alberta and ride the distance of their choosing, while raising funds for cancer treatment and research.

Allowing participants to choose where and how far they race will make the event appealing to more Albertans, said Ryan Campbell, the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s senior director of community partnerships. 

“We want to expand the event and make it open to people all over the province,” said Campbell. “We certainly want to still encourage those hardcore cyclists to do their 200 kilometres – and that piece will never go away – but we’re planning on introducing more types of cycling open to more people.”

Last year’s event was virtual as well, which allowed families to participate together. 

“We just want to make it as accessible as possible,” he said.

There are a few options for participants to direct their fundraising. First, they have the option to select any of the 17 cancer centres across the province which may serve their local community or could have helped them or a loved one in the past. People in Strathmore often use the centres in either Calgary or Drumheller, but others may be selected. There is also the option to designate the funding to urgent needs, areas where researchers have prioritized, or care and equipment.

To register or learn more about the event, visit touralbertaforcancer.ca.