Hometown rider cruises through Parksville Qualicum Beach on Tour de Rock
Published 7:00 pm Thursday, September 24, 2026
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The Tour de Rock riders cruised through the Parksville Qualicum Beach area on Sept. 24, making stops to raise money for childhood cancer research and support services.
The team of 22 law enforcement, emergency services personnel and media members started its day in Courtenay, before making its way to Magnolia Court in Bowser.
They stopped at Quality Foods, Kwalikum Secondary School and Arrowsmith Elementary School in Qualicum Beach, as well as Thrifty Foods and Berwick in Parksville.
Victoria News reporter Tony Trozzo grew up in Qualicum Beach and said so far “it’s been amazing”, after visiting the two schools he attended growing up.
“I’m struggling to come up with words. Like they had these little pictures of me as a kid hanging up and all the kids were chanting my name. And then you look around and you see all my teammates who are just like salt of the earth people donating their time,” Trozzo said. “It’s just so incredibly special to be a part of, like we’re obviously all in one team here trying to do the same thing. And just to even be a part of it — the smallest, smallest bit has been one of the most special experiences in my life.”
Trozzo’s father, Frank has been battling cancer since 2023 and came out to see his son and give him a big hug.
“He’s the inspiration behind it, but as I’ve learned on this tour so far, there’s so many stories of kids that we’ve gone to meet and you’re like, ‘man, I can’t imagine what they go through,’” Trozzo added.
The tour passed the 500-kilometre mark making its way through the PQB area and next up is the road to Port Alberni, with “The Hump”, which Trozzo anticipates will be one of the more challenging parts.
So far the ride has raised well in excess of $380,000 of its $1-million goal.
Trozzo encouraged people to pitch in $5 or $10, if they can.
“You may not think it can help. But it all balloons and picks up and picks up,” he added. “Money is tight, so I get it. But if you can spare $5, please, please do.”
Now in its 29th year, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock continues to unite communities across Vancouver Island in support of children and families affected by cancer.
Funds raised help fuel world-leading research and Camp Goodtimes, giving kids and families a place to connect, build confidence and create lasting memories – all within a medically supervised camp environment.
The ride will wrap up on Oct. 2 in Victoria.
Donations can be made online at the Cops for Cancer website.