PHOTOS: White Rock students cheer Cops for Cancer riders
Published 1:30 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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The Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley riders received a warm welcome from White Rock students on Tuesday (Sept. 15) as the cycling team stopped at two local elementary schools during its six-day ride through the Fraser Valley.
18 riders began their White Rock visit at Peace Arch Elementary, where students had handmade signs and banners to welcome the group.
The riders then travelled to the White Rock RCMP detachment before continuing to White Rock Elementary. RCMP motorcycles led the cyclists as they made their way through the community.
A Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officer prepared the students for the arrival of the cyclists’ with some information and a song.
The officer informed the students and teacher that the riders would have about 600 kilometers to cover over six days as they continue through the Fraser Valley.
After giving the kids some background, the officer taught the students a chant to “pump up” the riders for today’s journey.
The officer and students chanted “Heidi, Heidi, Heidi, Ho! To the valley here we go!” followed by a round of clapping.
Riders filed into Peace Arch Elementary’s outdoor courtyard and White Rock Elementary’s front drop-off area, high-fiving the excited students and even signing a few of their banners.
The enthusiastic cheering students also received stickers and other items from the riders.
Chilliwack RCMP’s Cst. Rudy Tichelaar thanked the schools for welcoming the riders and spoke to students about the reason behind the fundraiser and how the money raised will help with childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer society, including Camp Good Times.
“This is our tour this year, we have police officers, firefighters, paramedics and a lot of volunteer staff riding with us,” he told the students at Peace Arch Elementary.
Among Tuesday’s riders was White Rock RCMP Cst. Carly Godlien, who is taking part in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley for the third time. Godlien previously rode in 2018 and 2019.
This year, Godlien said she was riding to support Caitlyn Sears, the daughter of RCMP Cst. Chantel Sears, who was diagnosed with leukemia last September and is undergoing active treatment. Godlien is also riding in memory of Cameron Bulger, the grandson of a community policing volunteer who died.
Godlien and Caitlyn were at all of the Sept. 15 stops, where Caitlyn joined the riders by leading the pack on an ATV.
Caitlyn received support from students, community members and teachers, especially at Peace Arch Elementary, which was her school prior to attending Earl Marriott Secondary this year.
Godlien and Caitlyn presented a plaque to Peace Arch Elementary’s school principal Abby Swansburg, thanking the school community for its support and the money it had raised towards the Cops for Cancer campaign.
This year, the Cops for Cancer campaign’s fundraising goal is $280,000 and currently stands at $224,039.52.
The Tour de Valley is set to continue until Sept. 19.
To donate or help support the campaign go to support.cancer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=30613&pg=entry&s_locale=en_CA.