You would be hard-pressed to run into anyone who hasn’t lost a loved one due to cancer. It’s a dreaded diagnosis for both the patient and their families. Working hard to rectify that situation is the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, raising money so that someday we will stop losing our loved ones to this horrible scourge.
While cancer isn’t fun, raising money to fight it certainly can be. This August will be the Northern Pass to Conquer Cancer’s sixth year of putting the fun in fundraising with their premier cycling event.
Brendan Ennis, Director of Northern Pass, not only helps organize the event: he is also a participant. “I’ll be one of the slow ones in the back, finishing the 40K,” he laughs.
After COVID nearly scuttled their 2020 ride, they had to shift to a virtual event, but in 2021, they had an outpouring of support from riders to do it live. They’d started with the ambitious goal of raising $500,000 for cancer research but blew the roof off that with over $630,000 raised. “We set a record last year and look forward to exceeding our goals for this year as well,” Brendan says.
Participants can choose between 40K, 100K or 160K for the August 6th Road Ride. Those looking for something a little more off the beaten path can do The Detour, their new gravel option, on Sunday, August 7th. “The Gravel Ride is a growing segment,” Brendan says. “We had about 30 participants last year and we’re aiming for 100 this year.”
“Regardless of paved or gravelled choices, not only do you get the reward of knowing you’ve raised money to battle cancer, but you also get to take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country,” Brendan says.
Riders need to raise $1000 minimum to be able to qualify for the ride. “It’s a way for a small group of people to do something impactful. We’ve raised over $1.6 million in the last five years from this ride.”
The event brings in participants from the GTA and as far away as British Columbia. “Support is expanding,” Brendan says. “We have patients cycling; we have doctors cycling and we have families working together for an important cause.” Money raised from the event goes directly toward important research in the fight to conquer cancer.
Registration is $50, but if you enter promo code NPDOCKSIDE your registration is free.
TEXT KARI KLASSEN
