(PHOTOS) Auguston Students Rally Behind Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley
Students at Auguston Traditional Elementary welcomed Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley riders with signs, cheers and a special contribution as the annual cycling tour made its way through Abbotsford.
The school was one of four Abbotsford School District stops on this year’s Tour de Valley, alongside Sandy Hill Elementary School, William A. Fraser Middle School and Abbotsford Senior Secondary School. Part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer initiative, the tour brings together first responders, community partners and local schools to raise funds and awareness in support of pediatric cancer research.
At Auguston, Grade 5 students Amber and Taylor presented a $750 cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society on behalf of their school. Students and staff fundraise throughout the year, giving students the opportunity to take an active role in supporting a cause that reaches beyond their school community.
Elliot Gallimore, Tour de Valley Coordinator from the Canadian Cancer Society said, “It’s so great to see schools getting involved in Tour de Valley and showing their support for pediatric cancer research. Having students come out, cheer on the riders and support the cause makes these school stops really special.”
Students lined the stop with handmade signs and plenty of excitement as the riders arrived. They met members of the tour, collected signatures on their signs and cheered on the cyclists before they continued their journey.
Among the riders was a familiar face from the Abbotsford School District. Bob, a district bus driver, took part in the Tour de Valley and rode alongside the team. His participation gave students the chance to cheer on someone from their own district community while supporting the cause.
Principal Tyler Horner from Auguston Traditional Elementary also added, “The Cops for Cancer Tour riders are an inspiration for our students on many levels. They model what it means to take action, work hard, lead by example, and come together in service of a cause greater than themselves."
The visit also brought together representatives from the Abbotsford Police Department, BC Ambulance, the Canadian Cancer Society and Auguston Traditional Elementary students and staff, highlighting the community partnerships that help make Cops for Cancer possible.
