HALIFAX, NS -
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is pleased to celebrate and congratulate Sgt. Dayne Campbell of the Vancouver Police Department for his incredible cycling journey across Canada in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer program, raising over $53,000 for awareness and funds for life-saving pediatric cancer research and support programs for children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
In a remarkable feat of endurance and dedication, Sgt. Campbell began his cross-country cycle solo on May 6 and completed his journey on June 27 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, covering approximately 7,000 km in 53 days.
A long-time supporter of the childhood cancer cause, Sgt. Campbell has been participating as a rider in the Cops for Cancer program. Over his 16-years of participation, he has met many children impacted by cancer, cycled over 12,000 km, personally fundraised over $140,000 and has contributed to raising over $5 million with the Tour de Coast team.
In late 2023, Sgt. Campbell’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer. This prompted him to undertake the challenge of cycling across the country to spread awareness and continue raising funds for pediatric cancer research and support programs.
“When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, I made the decision to do something about it beyond just being there for her,” says Sgt. Campbell. “Completing this cross-country ride has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. It’s been unbelievable the amount of support I’ve received along the way from communities and police departments across Canada.”
Cops for Cancer first began in 1997, when Sergeant Gary Goulet of the Edmonton Police Department rallied his colleagues to shave their heads in solidarity of then 5-year-old Lyle Jorgenson, who experienced bullying at school because of hair loss due to chemotherapy.
Since then, Cops for Cancer has grown in partnership with CCS and first responders over the past 27 years later. Today, the program is supported by hundreds of law enforcement and emergency services personnel who have raised millions of dollars for life-saving childhood cancer research and support services through Cops for Cancer head shaves, cycling and golf events.
“We’ve made incredible progress to change the future of childhood cancer in Canada thanks to the dedicated support of people like Dayne, and we still have a long way to go” says Matthew Campbell, Director, Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Cancer continues to be the number one cause of disease-related death in Canadian children under the age of 15 years. We are excited to celebrate Dayne crossing the finish line of his extraordinary cross-country journey where every dollar raised will make a real difference for families affected by childhood cancer.”
The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of childhood cancer research in Canada. Over the past decade, CCS has invested more than $31.5 million towards the childhood cancer cause.
To learn more visit copsforcancer.ca, cancer.ca or call 1 888-939-3333.
For further information or to schedule an interview please contact:
Veshani Sewlall
Fundraising Communications Specialist
Veshani.sewlall@cancer.ca
416-522-0733
About Cops for Cancer
Cops for Cancer is a fundraising program in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Law enforcement, first responders and emergency service personnel across Canada participate in fundraising initiatives including cycling tours, head shave events and movement challenges. These events are vital in helping the Canadian Cancer Society fund life-saving childhood cancer research and uphold the largest cancer support system in the country.
Since the first cycling tour in 1997, Cops for Cancer has evolved and spread across Canada. Hundreds of first responders have raised over $54 million through Cops for Cancer events.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.
