Here I sit writing a letter asking you for a donation to a very worthy cause. This is indeed a first for me, so I thought about what decisions I have made over the past numerous years that have brought me to this moment in my life.  And on the other side, what decisions have you made over the past numerous years that have brought you to reading this letter from me.

Let me start with me; some time ago I asked a friend of mine if he could help me select a new road bike, as any good friend would, he sold me one of his bikes (decision 1). He followed up later with the question of how my riding was going, I replied that it would be great to get connected with a group to ride with. He indicated that he rides with a group and invited me along. So, I joined the group (decision 2). As we rode, I asked who the other riders were, and he explained that they were all cops and they were training for the annual Cops for Cancer fund raising tour.

So, what does Cops for Cancer stand for?

Cops for Cancer is one of the largest funders of pediatric cancer research in Canada. Progress is being made – we've seen pediatric cancer survival rates increase from 71% in the 1980s to over 83% today.

The impact of cancer on the life of a child and their family is devastating. Cops for Cancer provides a support system that helps children with cancer and their families live their lives as fully as possible.

They advocate for better support for parents and legal guardians who need to take time off work to care for children with cancer and help shape health policies that will save lives.

As the riding progressed, I learned more and more about the ride. Most people that I know have been impacted in some way by cancer.  Cancer is not selective and when it impacts those that have not yet reached their teen years it has more of an impact.

Many of the stops on the Cops for Cancer tour would be at schools where they would hand out blankets to those children either dealing with cancer or have dealt with it. Then there were the times when the child was not present and the blanket was presented to a sibling or parent because the child was no longer with us.

During the years the tour approached me, not only as a friend but also a representative of the Applewood Auto Group. As an organization we assisted the tour with the use of vehicles, the supply of helmets, travel bags, hoodies along with annual cash donations (decisions 3 to 23).

This past year, the Cops for Cancer approached me and asked if Applewood would consider sponsoring the four tours that are held in BC.  They are; Tour de Valley, Tour de North, Tour de Rock, and Tour de Coast. Our answer was yes (decisions 24).

Now onto to decision 25, this is where you come in.  As an organization, Applewood committed to go 3 steps further and further commit to raising an additional $50,000. One of the ways people have shown their support for those fighting cancer was to have their head shaved, here along with other senior managers is where I said yes! In order for this to happen, I am asking you to contribute to my fund raising page in a significant way, join me and show your support.