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Comox Valley riders support hospice care

This weekend, the fifth annual Cycle of Life Tour presented by Think Communications will take 80 riders across the Saanich Inlet, Cowichan Valley and Salt Spring Island, in support of eight hospices on Vancouver Island, including Comox Valley Hospice Society.
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This weekend, the fifth annual Cycle of Life Tour presented by Think Communications will take 80 riders across the Saanich Inlet, Cowichan Valley and Salt Spring Island, in support of eight hospices on Vancouver Island, including Comox Valley Hospice Society.

Many riders return year after year for the nearly 200 kilometre ride that raises funds and awareness for quality hospice palliative care across Vancouver Island. Among those are Comox Valley Hospice Society volunteers, Dave Ward and Mark Toth. Ward and Toth give back to the community on a daily basis by delivering electric hospital beds to people whose wish is to remain at home for care.

“Helping people be more comfortable as well as offering support to their caregivers makes this a labour of love,” says Ward. “How we care for each other during these most tender of times is a reflection of a caring and compassionate community.”

This year, amongst those new to the ride, is cyclist Stephen Mohan, who sought grief counselling from the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society following the death of his 15-year-old son.

“Grief can be quite the emotional rollercoaster,” he says. “Last year I fell apart in a bad way. I was directed to the hospice and have benefitted so much from their support.”

Mohan’s mother also received end-of-life care at Oceanside Hospice in Qualicum Beach last winter.

“Hospices are safe havens, staffed by folks who care and want to help,” he said.

Hospice services rely heavily on community donations. Events like the Cycle of Life Tour enable them to continue providing care and comfort for dying patients and their families.

Since 2011, the Cycle of Life Tour has raised over $360,000 for end-of-life care.

FMI: www.cycleoflifetour.ca

You can still add to the support by donating to Comox Valley teams Zoomers, and Pal Gals & Friends.