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Parksville volunteer firefighter Kirk Wolstenholme is gearing up for an incredible challenge as he joins the Tour de Rock this fall. In a recent PQBeat podcast interview with Peter McCully, Wolstenholme shared his motivation for participating in the cycling event, which raises funds for Camp Good Times through the Canadian Cancer Society.
When he moved to Vancouver Island in 2015, he became aware of the Tour de Rock and its’ mission.
“I thought that’d be a very worthwhile cause and a great experience and help out with it if I could,” said Wolstenholme.
Joining the fire department provided him the opportunity to participate in the event, and hearing about Parksville Coun. Adam Fras’s involvement last year was the final push he needed to commit to the ride.
While the physical aspect of the ride is daunting, the emotional journey holds equal significance for him. The Tour de Rock aims to raise funds for Camp Good Times, a retreat in Maple Ridge that provides children battling cancer and their siblings a chance to experience joy and normalcy amidst challenging times.
Wolstenholme shares his anticipation of visiting the camp, recognizing the importance of supporting not only the affected children but also their often-overlooked siblings.
“I’m kind of a softie when it comes to those heart-tugging things,” said Wolstenholme, emphasizing his commitment to connecting with people affected by cancer and being a source of support.
The firefighter’s dedication to serving started in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he successfully completed his training and became an integral part of the Parksville Fire Department.
A link to Wolstenholme’s Tour de Rock page can be found here.
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