Team Vermilion raises over $30,000 for cancer

Team Vermilion participated once again in the 2020 Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer.

This year due to the pandemic, they rode 100 kilometres around Vermilion on Saturday.

“This is my first 100 kilometre ride ever,” said Dean Barr.

Wanting to help support the cause, members of Team Vermilion included Dean Barr, Terry Duncan, Darren Bratrud, Scott Webb, Craig Brown and Joe Zeller. Brian Tischler joined up with the team and also completed 15 kilometres around town.

Initially, the ride was postponed to 2021, so members only had one month to train. They completed 4 or 5 rides in preparation for the longer challenge, and were faced with weather issues the day of the ride.

According to captain, Darren Bratrud, the wind was in their face for the first 38 kilometers, and the lack of training time made for a tougher ride.

But overall, it was worth the effort.

Bratrud said they were hesitant to start asking people for donations during such a tough year, but once they got going the support really came in and they were able to raise $30,935.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who contributed,” said Bratrud.

“We feel very fortunate because for their fundraising efforts Team Vermilion is in 6^th place, just behind a 121-man team and just ahead of a 41-man team.”

Over the past 12 years, members all across Alberta have been participating in a cycling ride to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation and to date have raised over $80 million.

Funds raised support research, clinical trials, enhanced care.

The committee estimates that half of all Canadians will develop cancer. They state that cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, responsible for nearly one-third of all deaths.