Local Journalism Initiative
By Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Williams Lake Tribune
It’s the final day of the 2025 Tour de North ride, and 150 Mile Fire Department volunteer Sharleen Bast is once again among the pack.
“I’m so stoked to be riding with this team,” Bast wrote in a Facebook post just days before setting off.
The team of 14 riders set off from Prince George on Friday, Sept. 12 for an 850 kilometre bike ride to raise money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society. They will bike from Terrace to their final destination in Prince Rupert on Thursday, Sept. 18.
“As we pedal forward, we carry the memory of our teammate in every kilometer – his courage, kindness, and commitment to kids facing cancer. We ride for him, and for every child who deserves the joy of Camp Goodtimes and the hope of a cancer-free future.”
Tour de North Team on Facebook
Training for the ride and fundraising started as early as May, with the team now at 93 per cent of their total fundraising target, increased to $250,000 from their initial goal of $150,000. Of the more than $234,000 collected so far, Bast’s efforts have contributed more than $11,000, placing her third among her teammates for the most money raised. Donations made in the name of their teammate and friend Shane Kelly, who died three days after a hit-and-run during one of their July training sessions, have reached close to $119,000.
“This year’s Tour de North means more than ever,” wrote the Tour de North team on their Facebook page. “As we pedal forward, we carry the memory of our teammate in every kilometer – his courage, kindness, and commitment to kids facing cancer. We ride for him, and for every child who deserves the joy of Camp Goodtimes and the hope of a cancer-free future.”
The funds raised through Cops for Cancer events go towards advancing research into effective treatment for pediatric cancers and towards a nation-wide support system for families affected by cancer, including Camp Goodtimes where “kids with cancer can just be kids.” Camp Goodtimes hosts nearly 600 children, teens and family members each year, and donations are critical to help make this happen.
“(I) am very grateful to everyone who supported me.”
Sharleen Bast, 150 Mile Fire Department Volunteer
In the last five years, the Canadian Cancer Society invested $16.4 million into childhood cancer research, and research by the society has increased children’s survival rate by 13 per cent.
This is Bast’s second time participating in the Tour de North, returning after a successful ride in 2024 from Dawson Creek to Williams Lake when she led the team to the finish line.
“(I) am very grateful to everyone who supported me,” Bast said in an email to the Tribune.
In Canada, an estimated 1,000 children aged zero to14 are diagnosed with cancer each year. In just five years, the Canadian Cancer Society has invested over $13 million towards the cause.
To learn more about the program or make a donation, visit www.copsforcancer.ca. To donate to Bast’s or her team’s cause visit the 2025 Tour de North webpage.
