For 20 years now, cyclists from across the Lower Mainland have come together to embark on a long journey that leads the group to Canuck Place-Dave Lede House in Abbotsford to meet some of the children they’re raising thousands of dollars for.
This year’s Ride for the Kids took place on July 8 and was once again led by Jeff Bandura, who created the annual cycling fundraiser back in 2007.
The former professional hockey player has been at the helm of this annual event every single year, making him one of only three people to have participated in each of the 20 cycling fundraisers.
While the 2026 Ride for the Kids involved many of the same heartwarming elements of past races, there was one major difference, which could be found pasted across the shirts of the cyclists.
Being branded as “one final ride for the kids”, this fundraiser could very possibly be the last time everyone hops on their bikes together to raise money for the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Bandura, who cycled the entire distance despite receiving a hip replacement less than two weeks before the ride, said that after two decades of long-distance riding for charity, he thinks it might be time to chain up his bike.
The 69-year-old said it’s not just him, but many of the longtime riders, who are starting to feel the strain of doing such an extensive cycling trip.
“The crew is getting a little bit older,” said Bandura. “We used to ride 100 kilometres, and now we’re down to 62.”
Even though they called this year’s event the final ride, Bandura said he’s not quite sure if that will stick or not.
“There’s already been talk on the ride out here about whether this was really the last ride,” he said. “We’d like so much to hit that million-dollar mark.”
Prior to this year’s event, the Ride for the Kids had already raised more than $870,000 for Canuck Place.
This money helps the organization provide care to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, which is something that Canuck Place has been doing for more than 35 years.
Dave Lede House is Canuck Place’s second hospice location and has been responsible for assisting sick Fraser Valley children and their families since 2014.
To assist Canuck Place and support what is likely to be the final Ride for the Kids, visit canuckplace.akaraisin.com.