459 words – MR
Hundreds of cyclists converged in Peel and Halton Regions June 23, biking up to 100km in support of the 9th annual Healing Cycle ride. The Healing Cycle raises funds with the vision of supporting dignified and compassionate end-of-life care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. York Regional Police (YRP) rode with Police 4 Palliative Care (P4PC) in support of Doane House Hospice.
A generous donation from York Region Police Association (YRPA) covered entrance fees for police participants, encouraging 39 officers from three police jurisdictions to raise $6,460 for hospice palliative care. All proceeds raised by the ride are donated to the palliative care hospices of participating communities across Ontario.
“Three out of ten Canadians don’t receive the hospice care they need and that has a ripple effect on our community. When a loved one does not receive the care they need at the end of their lives, it affects the health and well-being of everyone around him. That’s why – for the health of our community – it’s so important for us to give back,” says YRP Det. Steve Ross.
Ross has been involved with palliative care since 2011, when he started working with Doane House. 2011 was also the year that P4PC was created to encourage police officers from across the province to participate in the Healing Cycle. It proved to be a great fit for a worthy cause.
P4PC founder Frank McCrea has a personal connection to the cause. “My family has experienced the journey of palliative care first hand and we strongly believe in the value it provides to families, which is why we have been supporting this cause for over ten years,” says McCrea. “An event such as the Healing Cycle is the perfect opportunity to bring together valuable members of the community such as police officers with individuals and families who have a passion for hospice palliative care.”
McCrea’s business, Procom, sponsored both a $5,000 matching donation (to encourage increased P4PC fundraising) and the Police Cup Challenge, which awarded three trophies.
The 2013 Police Cup Challenge winners were Det. Greg McGuire of the York Regional Police for “Fastest Police Officer Rider in the 25km,” Craig Gardiner from Peel Regional Police for the “Fastest Police Officer Rider in the 100km,” and Toronto Police Service for “Best Fundraiser.”
As YRP approaches its second year of participation with the Healing Cycle, officers hope to raise the bar for participation, increase the number of riders and maybe even steal the title for “Best Fundraiser.”
This year’s P4PC Healing Cycle ride takes place on Sunday, June 22, 2014. To join the York team contact Ross at 957@yrp.ca
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