Goulet was so moved by this boy's struggle that he contacted the Canadian Cancer Society and the head-shaving event caught on. An officer's daughter who fought her own cancer battle designed the logo used to promote "COPS FOR CANCERS".
The City Of Kawartha Lakes Police Service members, both uniformed and civilian decided to participate in the event for the first time in 2005. City Of Kawartha Lakes Police members joined forces with the Peterbourgh/Lakefield Police Service in, "Pedal for Hope" which ran from April 25- May 15, 2005. A team of officers rode their bikes 1000k in 21 days in support of 20 children in the area presently receiving cancer treatment in our area.
Two individuals fighting the battle were honoured during this time. Eli Jones, 8 years of age what an honourary police officer complete with uniform and badge presented to him by Inspector Don Thomas. Tina Thurston a grade 10 students at I. E.Weldon who fought her battle with cancer was also honoured.
The kick off event for Cops for Cancer took place in April 2005 with officers from the service meeting up with the Pedal for Hope ride team. Together the officer rode their bike from Jack Callaghan Public School to Victoria Park. In attendance at the park were several hundred supports of the event. A BBQ to raise funds was hosted by police. Seventeen officers shaved their heads in support of kids with cancer. This was an unbelievable day. The officers raised an outstanding amount of $11,257.00 in pledges just for shaving their heads.
Alexandra and Jack Callaghan Public Schools participated in the event by hosting a crazy hair day with donations going to the cause. Central Senior School saw their principal, Mr. Sanderson along with Mr. Smeaton shave their heads. Mr. Smeaton put a challenge out to his students to collect funds and in turn he shaved his head.
Also involved was Pope John Paul 11 School. They rallied full spirit and had a bake sale, crazy hair day and yes they too had students shave their heads for the cause. IE Weldon had staff and students involved in PEP rally that saw many heads dyed blue for the event.
The most unbelievable event had to be attending LCVI and watching as the whole school, students and staff rallied, and continued to rally for funds to fight this battle. A record amount of $6,357. Was raised for this one-day event, which saw an unbelievable amount of heads shaved.
The fundraising events continued throughout the month of April and included a tag day at Canadian Tire in Lindsay. The honourary police officers along with uniformed officers asked for donations outside the store and were supported whole-heartedly by the public.
Joel's Restaurant also joined in the spirit and had a "Cops for Cancer" special dinner. The owner and staff donated all tips to Cops for Cancer. The event was such a huge success that it sold out.
Scotia Bank took part by hosting a dress down day in which the employees contributed a donation. The bank then matched the donations.
Kelsey's Restaurant hosted a Tip A Cop night. City of Kawartha Lakes Police Officers served patrons their meals. All tips received were donated to the Cops for Cancer fund.
City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service member are proud to report that the amount raised for the first ever involvement in the COPS FIR CANCER was, $31,489.96.00
Truly unbelievable!
