BC Cancer Foundation ends cycling fundraiser, citing climate risks
After 16 years, the BC Cancer Foundation’s prominent annual cycling fundraiser is no more.
On Oct. 29, the foundation announced in a press release that it would cancel next year’s Tour de Cure and future rides, citing rising costs, a decline in net revenue, and increased climate-related risks.
The announcement came just one week following a potent atmospheric river rocked B.C., leaving four people dead, according to CBC News.
The foundation said extreme climate events and unpredictable weather posed safety concerns for riders and made event planning and execution difficult.
In recent years, B.C. and the rest of Canada have seen an increase in the number of extreme weather events spurred by climate change.
These weather events have caused billions in damage to homes and businesses, but are now impacting charity revenues, too.
The fundraiser netted more than $131 million for cancer research since its launch in 2009, according to the foundation.
“This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t made lightly,” said Sarah Roth, the foundation’s CEO, in a pre-recorded video.
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