BC’s Largest Fundraising Event The Ride to Conquer Cancer Postponed to 2021

VANCOUVER B.C. – Today, BC Cancer Foundation announced the postponement of the 12^th annual Ride to Conquer Cancer until August 2021 due to the impacts of COVID-19. As the largest charitable event in B.C., The Ride to Conquer Cancer, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, is a critical source of funds for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Anticipated to raise between $8 – 10 million for the BC Cancer Foundation, The Ride to Conquer Cancer typically hosts 2,500 cyclists who ride 200KM over two-days through the Fraser Valley, ending in Hope, B.C. The funds raised advance BC Cancer’s world-leading research programs and innovations in care supporting tens of thousands of patients across the province.

“Postponing The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a heartbreaking decision. Riders pour their hearts into training and fundraising in honour of loved ones and this community is a driving force behind many of the biggest breakthroughs in cancer made here in B.C.,” says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

The decision to postpone The B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer has been made in the best interest of the community, protecting the most at risk individuals, including those with cancer. Each rider raises a minimum of $2,500 each year and due to the significant economic hardship faced by many in the province, the postponement provides more time for Riders to successfully raise funds and Ride together in 2021.

The Ride postponement will leave a significant gap in fundraising for BC Cancer Foundation. During this time, the BC Cancer Foundation remains resolute in our commitment to support BC Cancer through this health crisis, to continue fuelling innovations in cancer care at a time when patients and frontline medical teams need us most.

The B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer presenting sponsor Wheaton Precious Metals has made the generous commitment to stand by the event and cause through this time.

“While we are disappointed by this news, the health and safety of our communities is our top priority. We know the cancer community needs us now more than ever and our commitment to The Ride to Conquer Cancer is unwavering. We are proud to stand by The Ride during these unprecedented times and look forward to celebrating on this year’s ride weekend and riding again in 2021. Hope you are staying healthy and safe,” Randy Smallwood, president & CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals, Team Captain of the Silver Bullets and an 11-year rider.

BC Cancer Foundation is working on an innovative plan to mark the 2020 ‘Ride weekend’ with a celebration in line with health protocols as an important outlet for riders to honour loved ones, celebrate, raise awareness and life-saving funds. Participants with the ability to donate and to continue fundraising will be encouraged in support of the 80,000 people who depend on BC Cancer for treatments this year.

To support a rider and stand by the tens of thousands of people facing cancer in our province today, visit conquercancer.ca to donate. For more information about the 2020 B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer, visit the FAQ.

QUICK FACTS

• The 2020 two-day mass gathering Ride to Conquer Cancer, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals is postponed to August 28-29, 2021
• Over 11 annual years, The B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised $106 million for BC Cancer Foundation
• The Ride to Conquer Cancer is the largest fundraising event in British Columbia
• The 2020 Ride was anticipated to raise between $8-10 million for BC Cancer Foundation
• The Ride to Conquer Cancer hosts approx. 2,500 cyclists over two days, riding over 200KM through the Fraser Valley, finishing in Hope, B.C.
• The Ride to Conquer Cancer has fuelled world-leading breakthroughs made at BC Cancer, including:
  • The world-leading POG program which just recently publishing new insights into drug resistance
  • Research into more than 50 cancer types conducted by 250 researchers at BC Cancer
  • Enhanced care for 275,000 patients treated by BC Cancer
  • Research that’s on track to prevent up to 50% of gynecological cancers
  • Genomic testing into patient care, saving lives, finding new treatment solutions
  • Supported the development of tests to help prevent relapse for lymphoma survivors

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