Pierre Bruneau may have retired after 46 years as an anchor at TVA, but he remains in the post for the start of this weekend’s CIBC Charles-Bruneau Tour.
“It’s the mission of my life and I’ll be there as long as I have the energy,” he said in a generous phone interview.
After a symbolic descent from the CHU Sainte-Justine Cancer Center on Saturday morning, Mr Bruneau, 70, will travel by bus with 34 other cyclists to Matane to begin a 1,000-kilometer journey to Boucherville in six days on Sunday.
“I am 70 years old. It’s just a number, but there’s a reality that goes with it, he admits. That is always a challenge for me.”
“I’d rather be young old than old young,” adds the man, whose voice has shaped the news programs for many years, with a laugh.
Ensure sustainability
Mr. Bruneau will take everything one year after the other, he who is in as many editions at his 25th participation in the Tour Charles-Bruneau.
“The goal is also to ensure the sustainability of this foundation,” he says. You know, Pierre Bruneau won’t last forever. I have an expiration date. Now the goal is to have something that will allow more and more children to be healed.”
It was obviously his son Charles’ dream to be cured of cancer, but his death from leukemia in 1988 was followed by millions raised for other children. Also in 2021, the CIBC Charles-Bruneau tour raised $4.7 million. Despite the pandemic making it difficult for charity events, the Charles Bruneau Foundation remains on track with its historic $25 million commitment to research through 2026 announced about a year ago.
“The pandemic is having its consequences and we need to re-motivate people,” Mr. Bruneau agreed. This is our commitment and we are very proud of it. We are on the right path. We have until 2026 to honor it.”
A record of registrations
The organizers of the CIBC Charles-Bruneau Tour will have redoubled their enthusiasm for the 2022 edition, which will see a total of 1028 people directly involved in funding. This record includes 243 registrations to support a friend through fundraising campaigns without taking part in the cycling challenge.
In addition to the famous six-day course of Matane, athletes have various options, whether for four, two or one day. Everyone will gather in Boucherville for the finish on Friday July 8th at the Parc de la Mairie.
- The general public can show their support for children with cancer by encouraging cyclists with a donation by visiting the https://www.tourccb.ca/make-a-donation/.