Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Anne Kang is going to jail – and for a good reason, too.
The former Burnaby city councillor and a handful of others will cool their heels in the slammer Friday at Lougheed Town Centre until they raise enough money for cancer research and programs to post bail.
“This will be a fun community event that will bring awareness and fund life-saving research that improves cancer treatments, prevents cancer and saves lives,” states an RCMP press release.
The event is part of the fundraising efforts of three local Mounties cycling in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast Greater Vancouver – an 800-kilometre ride spanning nine days along the coast of British Columbia.
In all, 40 law enforcement and emergency services personnel will take on the challenge, which kicks off on Sept. 20.
Burnaby Mounties Sgt. Tess Landry, Sgt. Derek Thibodeau and Cpl. Michael Kalanj have trained and raised funds for the tour for the past few months.
One of the projects Cops for Cancer supports is Camp Goodtimes, a camp in Maple Ridge that provides a medically supervised and fun experience for children and youth battling cancer.
“This is an amazing place for these amazing kids,” said Landry, who is also a Tour de Coast captain. “It costs $1,500 to send one kid to camp. I think all kids going through this journey should have an opportunity to experience this incredible place.”
The “jail and bail” event starts at 10 a.m. Friday on the west side of Lougheed Town Centre by the Safeway.
Bail for the jailed participants will be set at $1,500 – the cost of sending one kid to Camp Goodtimes.
Local Mounties will be on hand to collect donations.
