Jarrod Russell was almost at his $30,000 fundraising goal for childhood cancer going into the glow ride at Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
Held on Aug. 19, the glow ride was part of Russell’s Great Cycle Challenge Canada fundraising efforts, which raises money to fight kids’ cancer.
Read more: A great 10 years of cycling against cancer
“It’s great to see the community supporting my cause and supporting me again this year,” said Russell ahead of the event.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers was there on two fronts, both personally and as a representative of the city. He explained what it means to have someone like Russell in the community.
“It speaks so well of Jarrod, the family and the community that supports them,” said Aalbers. “Jarrod’s family encountered cancer and certainly, he’s trying to raise money to aid people with cancer and help with research.”
Since he started participating in the event 10 years ago, Russell has raised over $300,000 for the cause.
“He leads Alberta in fundraising and is number three in Canada. Hopefully, after tonight, he might be able to become number one,” said Aalbers. “It’s important that he knows people care. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual, mayor, members of council, administration or business people, everyone is represented here tonight.”
Although he isn’t first in the country, Russell has achieved his goal of raising $30,000 again this year. Aalbers summed up everything about Jarrod and the event best.
“Jarrod is a household face in Lloydminster. Everyone’s been affected by cancer; there aren’t too many that haven’t been,” he explained. “I lost my dad to cancer 20 years ago. Tonight, I ride for him.”
About 100 other people had the same thought as they headed off into the night sky at Bud Miller, one glow stick at a time.
Read more: Russell not done with cancer fight
