By Andrea Peacock/News staff
Jack McClintock, a retired Central Saanich police officer, is busy training three days a week for the Tour de Rock this fall.
Turning 60 at the end of August, McClintock is the oldest member of the team of 24 people from Vancouver Island.
After retiring six years ago, McClintock felt it was time to get involved with the police community again as part of a good cause.
The Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock raises money for pediatric cancer research and for programs such as Camp Goodtimes, a summer program for youth with cancer and their families.
McClintock has three daughters of his own, ages nine, 12 and 17. He said he couldn’t imagine the agony of a parent of a child who has been diagnosed [with cancer].
“We have to continue rides like this to combat this illness,” he said, adding that the cause itself is what motivated him to join the Tour de Rock team.
He said he is most looking forward to the journey of the ride and getting to meet families affected by cancer along the way.
This Saturday, Aug. 2, McClintock and Victoria police officer Lauri Lumley, will be riding stationary bikes and raising money outside of Serious Coffee on Beacon Avenue in Sidney from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The following Saturday, Aug. 9, is the Bekins and Sweenie Moving Teams garage sale and barbecue fundraiser for Tour de Rock.
Customers of the moving companies have been donating furniture and household items since the end of last summer, said Denise Sweenie of Sweenie Moving Ltd.
There are two or three 20-foot containers full of stuff to be sold at the garage sale, said Sweenie.
This event holds special meaning for the moving companies.
“We’re dedicating the event to Kevin Sweenie who is battling cancer,” said Sweenie.
Kevin’s brother is the owner of Sweenie Moving.
If the garage sale is a success, Sweenie said they are hoping to make it an annual event. The sale will be at 2070 Keating X Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 9.
Other Tour de Rock fundraisers coming up this summer include breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Prairie Inn in Saanichton on Aug. 23 and the Telus Tour de Rock block party in Central Saanich on Aug. 27.