What is Cops for Cancer?

Cops for Cancer began in 1997 with one police officer who wanted to make a difference. Ever since, it’s grown into a united effort across Canada and has become one of the largest fundraising events for childhood cancer research in the country.

As a partnership between first responders and the Canadian Cancer Society, we’ve raised nearly $54 million to increase survival rates and support children living with cancer and their families.

_{*Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Applewood Auto Group, for creating the video.}

$54M

Since 1997, first responders have been actively engaged in fundraising from head shaves to cycling to end childhood cancer by participating in annual Cops for Cancer Tours and fundraisers across the country. United, we’ve raised over $54 million ensuring children with a cancer diagnosis are supported and know they are not alone. It takes a society to take on cancer.

View this video's transcript

Why we Ride?

A young boy high fives a doctor while his mother watches smiling.

Research

We are the largest national charitable funder of childhood cancer research

Two young boys smile while paddling a paddleboard together.

Camp

We provide a support system that helps children with cancer and their families live their lives as fully as possible

A woman smiles at her computer screen while hosting a video call.

Counselling services

We 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

Meet our Honorary Members

Our honorary members are the inspiration that motivates us and why we ride. Children and families that are part of our honorary program are invited to share their experience and personal stories of living with cancer with our Cops for Cancer teams. Lifelong friendships are often created and honorary members get to take part in unique opportunities and events with the Tours. Find out more on our website or by emailing copsforcancer@cancer.catoconnect with your local Tour Coordinator.

Casey Wright sitting on a horse with a group of police officers and Camp Goodtimes staff.

Camp Goodtimes was where I realized people can live with cancer. Everybody at Camp was doing that - they were happy and enjoying life. Even though we shared this burden of an illness, this is when I realized that we could also have a normal life. Camp gave me hope.

Casey Wright, Cops for Cancer Honourary Team Member and Camp Goodtimes participant

Bria stands in a field smiling with her arms crossed.

When 13-year-old Bria Roberts was diagnosed with a brain tumour, she needed to travel once a week between her home in Kingston and her treatment appointments in Ottawa. The Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope transportation program was able to reimburse the cost of her travel, and help Bria her finish chemotherapy. Since starting treatment, Bria has raised funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, hoping to help other kids who are living with cancer.

A boy hugs his younger brother who is smiling and waving.

To the riders and fundraisers of Cops for Cancer, I want thank you. Being the parent of a child with a critical illness can be lonely. It can be frustrating and hard. It can be very depressing. But through programs like Cops for Cancer we know we are not alone. So, thank you for awareness. Thank you for kindness. Thank you for giving, but most of all, thank you for hope.

The Head Family (Kate, Greg, Nelson and Mitchell)