The Comox Valley is embracing a new fundraiser benefiting the families of cancer-stricken Vancouver Island children – and Robin Smart is not surprised.
“People in the valley always step up when it’s time to help their neighbours,” said Smart.
She’s one of the organizers of the End2End relay, which will see a team of cyclists pedal non-stop from Victoria to Port Hardy and back in mid-June.
The 1,000-kilometre ride will raise money for the Island Kids Cancer Association, a small, grassroots charity that provides aid to the families of Vancouver Island children blindsided by the disease.
The cyclists don’t leave Victoria until June 17, but people in the Comox Valley are already contributing to the cause. Valley resident Robin Campbell is organizing a dance at Royston’s Fallen Alders Hall on May 31. Tickets are $50; contact tinyacresranch@gmail.com.
Music will be provided by the band Big Font, featuring End2End riders Bill Fry and Andy Dunstan.
It was Dunstan, a retired police officer, who came up with the idea for the relay, which will see four pairs of cyclists take turns riding a succession of 50-kilometre segments. Each pair will pedal for roughly two hours, rest for six, then climb back in the saddle for another leg of the round-the-clock journey. Each rider will complete 250 kilometres by the time the trip is done. The ride will be held June 17-19 to maximize the hours of daylight.
“It’s a Vancouver Island-based solution to a Vancouver Island problem,” said Dunstan.
The goal is to raise $100,000 for the Island Kids Cancer Association, which since 2017 has supported hundreds of cancer-stricken children and their families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The organization offers them programs and services focused on financial support, mental health and countering the isolation often experienced by such families.
“We understand the challenges, know the system and we can help, but as a small non-profit we have limited ability to raise the money we need to fund our programs,” said executive director Susan Kerr.
Crown Isle will provide accommodation for the End2End crew as the riders make their way up- and down-Island. “This is a very generous donation, particularly in the heart of tourist season when rooms are hard to find,” said Smart, a former Comox resident who now lives in Greater Victoria. Galaxy Motors is providing the vehicles that will accompany the riders on their journey, and is also donating money to the cause. Until June 17, Tsolum Vet will devote five per cent of all veterinary exam proceeds and 100 per cent of all dog wash proceeds to End2End. This cause is especially close to practice owner Nicole Garneau's heart, as she is a childhood cancer warrior. In addition to her Paws2Paws fundraiser, the clinic is paying to clothe End2End volunteers For more information on Paws2Paws, go to
Those wishing to help the cause can make a tax-deductible donation at . There’s also a 50-50 draw, with tickets available at The winner will be announced June 19.
