End2End cyclists pedal toward Port Hardy in a cancer fundraiser from Victoria
Published 10:00 am Wednesday, June 17, 2026
A team of nine cyclists is making its way up Vancouver Island as part of the second annual End2End relay, a 1,000-kilometre fundraising ride supporting families affected by childhood cancer. The team kicked off the event from Victoria on June 16, at around 6 p.m.
The relay began Tuesday evening when riders departed from Trek Bicycle Store in Victoria and started the round-the-clock journey to Port Hardy and back. The event raises money for the Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA), a charity that provides support to Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands families dealing with childhood cancer.
Susan Kerr, founder and executive director of IKCA, said the fundraiser helps provide practical and emotional support to families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
“I’ve never seen a group of people come together and ignite the community in the way they have,” Kerr said.
Founded in 2017 after Kerr lost her son, Jacob, to cancer, IKCA offers services including mental health support, food assistance and gas cards for families travelling long distances for treatment.
“The End2End effort will help us provide support and connection through every phase of a family’s cancer journey,” she said. “Those three essentials, mental health care, transportation and food should never be out of reach for families supporting a child with cancer.”
The relay is made up of nine Vancouver Island cyclists who ride in teams of two or three. Participants complete approximately 50-kilometre segments before handing off to the next group, allowing the journey to continue without stopping. Each cyclist is expected to ride about 250 kilometres by the end of the event.
The ride’s first leg featured competitive cyclist Ryan Clarke and Saanich mother Jen Millar, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago.
Organizers say the inaugural End2End relay raised more than $110,000 in 2025. Because the event is run entirely by volunteers and supported by sponsors, nearly all proceeds went directly to IKCA programs.
“One of the best things about End2End is the money stays on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, helping Island families,” said End2End chair Andy Dunstan.
Riders are expected to reach Port Hardy this afternoon (June 17) before beginning the return trip south. A community celebration is planned at Port Hardy Secondary School, with burgers available by donation to support the cause.
The cyclists are expected to return to Victoria on Thursday evening. Organizers hope to surpass last year’s fundraising total through community events and donations collected throughout the ride.