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Fundraiser goes nowhere fast

RCMP Cst. 24 hours on bike

If you’re in Whistler Village between noon on Feb. 18 and noon on Feb. 19, stop by Mountain Square to say a few encouraging words to RCMP community policing officer Devon Jones.

Jones plans to spend 24 hours straight on a stationary bike trainer, while taking donations for Camp Goodtimes, a B.C. Cancer Society camp for kids with cancer.

"I going to finish it, there’s no doubt in my mind," said Jones. "There will be a few bathroom breaks, but I plan to stop the timer and add that time on later. I’m giving the full 24 hours.

"I’ve been for a four hour practice ride already, and I’m doing a five hour ride this week. After that it’s a few light rides, and I’ll be ready to go. I’ve been training for this for a long time."

Jones has been a huge supporter of the Cops for Cancer charity rides, and came up with the idea of his 24-hour fundraiser last fall. The idea is to create a kind of public spectacle, giving people an opportunity to make donations, while bringing public attention to Camp Goodtimes.

Camp Goodtimes is sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. and Yukon chapter, and provides week-long camping experiences for kids with cancer. The kids benefit from all kinds of recreation opportunities, while also receiving 24-hour medical supervision.

According to Jones, it costs $1,000 to send a kid to camp for seven days, even with the amount of volunteer effort that goes into the project.

He does not know how much he will be able to raise in 24 hours, but is hoping to be able to send several kids to camp this year.

People can make donations in person at Jones’s tent during his bike ride, or by contacting him at 604-905-1967.

"And if you want to bring by something to drink or to eat, that would be appreciated too," said Jones. "I have a feeling I’m going to need all the calories I can get."