Since 2014, Bodhi Meditation has been a host for the Tour de Coast cyclists as they rode through Richmond on the final leg of their Cops for Cancer fundraising mission. Each year we welcomed more than 40 police officers, paramedics, sheriffs and border agents with our now-famous blaring theme song from Hawaii Five-0 and pom-pom greeting. After relaxation meditation, we served a vegetarian lunch, presented our donation, and provided encouragement for their continued endeavour of raising money and spreading the message of healthy living and cancer prevention.
This year, of course, is different. Instead of the lively visit we usually experience every September, this year, on November 3rd, it was a quick and quiet presentation of a cheque for $2,000 to Amanda Reath, the representative from the Canadian Cancer Society. The Tour de Coast team consists of 36 cyclists who rode throughout Greater Vancouver. Each day, groups of 6 traveled through different communities without the usual stops to interact with supportive organizations. Despite the challenges of this year, they raised $345,000 for pediatric cancer research and Camp Goodtimes (a camp for children with cancer).
Cops for Cancer began in 1994 with one police officer who wanted to make a difference. What is their mission? To raise money to help make life easier for sick children. Since then, it’s grown into a collective effort across Canada and become one of the largest fundraising events of childhood cancer research in the country and support for children living with cancer.
Year after year, the amazing team, along with their support team, give of their time and effort (including training time) to make the world a better place for the children. Bodhi Meditation shares their values of love for the community, giving selflessly and helping the community. Hopefully, next year we can bring out the pompoms and turn up the volume.
