North Vancouver cyclist Mireille Larosa raised over $82,000 for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice on a 1,745-kilometre ride across British Columbia. Her journey combined endurance, reflection, and a message of hope for families facing loss.
Larosa, a mother who lost her seven-month-old son Charles to an incurable illness eight years ago, says cycling offers her a sense of solitude and clarity. “You spend reflecting on what life means when something of that nature happens,” she shared.
Her ride, called the Tour de Canuck Place, began on September 1 from Vancouver and spanned 14 days. Larosa’s goal was not only fundraising but also raising awareness for families who need palliative care support.
“I wanted to reach out to as many families as I could and share togetherness,” Larosa said. “Yes, we may feel we are living this alone, but there are people at Canuck Place who support us.”
Larosa’s journey took her first to Earls Cove, then across Vancouver Island to Nanoose Bay and Victoria. She returned to the mainland, visiting Surrey and Chilliwack before continuing through Cranbrook, Nelson, and Castlegar. The final leg of the tour led her to Penticton, Kamloops, and Merritt.
On September 15, Larosa and her volunteer support driver were warmly welcomed at Canuck Place Abbotsford by staff, fans, and family. Her reception included an escort from the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, an emotional moment that Larosa described as overwhelming.
“To be given that national hero treatment truly was completely unexpected and very, very emotional,” she said. “It amplified the support that’s needed when you are in that position, having lost a child, and people coming together to support you and hold your hand as you walk down your path.”
Larosa’s ride highlights the crucial work of Canuck Place, a hospice providing specialized care for children with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families. The funds raised will help expand programs, offer emotional guidance, and ensure families receive assistance during difficult times.
Her cycling tour also emphasizes the importance of community. The visible support from volunteers, emergency services, and local families underscores how shared compassion can help individuals navigate grief. Larosa hopes her story inspires others to contribute, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply connecting with families facing similar challenges.
Eight years after losing her son, Larosa reflects on how grief can be isolating but also transformative. By turning her personal experience into a fundraising initiative, she has created a tangible impact while fostering a sense of togetherness among bereaved families.
“Even though the journey is long and challenging, both on the bike and in life, knowing that your efforts help others makes it meaningful,” Larosa said. “Cycling becomes more than just a ride—it becomes a way to honor those we’ve lost and support those who need it.”
Larosa’s Tour de Canuck Place proves that individual determination combined with community support can create significant change. Her $82,000 achievement demonstrates the power of action, resilience, and compassion. Families across British Columbia will directly benefit from her efforts, receiving care, comfort, and reassurance in difficult times.
The cyclist’s story serves as a reminder that hope and support can emerge even from profound loss. Through her long-distance ride, Larosa has shown that personal grief can inspire collective goodwill, leaving a lasting mark on her community and beyond.
