Weather Takes Some ‘Rev’ Out Of Ride For Dad
Ride for Dad participants leave the Kinsmen parking lot for 2nd Annual event
Prince George, BC – The 2nd Annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad roared out of the parking lot of the Kinsmen Complex in Prince George earlier today to raise funds and awareness about prostate cancer.
Co-organizer, Karen Brunette, says participation was down considerably over last year with 86 riders taking part today, compared to 148 registered participants for the inaugural ride. "Weather has definitely played a big role in the turn-out," she says. "A lot of out-of-town guests that we were expecting did not come in for the ride. We do have riders here from Fraser Lake and Chetwynd today. But that is just the nature of this recreational sport."
Brunette’s husband, Charles, is a cancer survivor and became inspired to champion this cause when he learned about the Ride for Dad organization while at a Goldwing rally in Saskatoon. Karen says they approached their local club with the idea of launching a similar fundraiser in Prince George and were overwhelmed with support, which is good, she says, because, "You need an army to put something like this on."
All the funds raised through this Northern BC chapter remain in the region. "So if there is a student that is working out of one of the hospitals in the north and they are working towards finding a cure for prostate cancer or assisting awareness of prostate cancer, they can make an application to the Fight foundation – that’s the umbrella organization that manages grants for the ride chapters – for funding for their work," explains Brunette.
Last year, the local ride raised $11-thousand dollars. Brunette expects it will be a week or two before this year’s tally is known, as donations from sponsors continue to roll in.
Speaking to participants just before they revved up their engines, Northern Health’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. William Osei, urged men over the age of 40 to visit their doctor for an annual exam.
Prostrate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for men in Canada. Every year, 1 in 7 men – or 25,500 Canadians – will be diagnosed with the disease. There are four main risk factors: 1. age, 2. race – diagnosis is highest among Canadian men of African or Carribean ancestry, 3. family history, and 4. diet.
Comments
I love to ride and support certain causes. However, I have had major issues supporting all of these Cancer Research fundraisers.
So much of this money just goes to the administration of the Cancer Society. I question how much money actually goes into actual research.
And, how much money is spent on education on how to prevent prostrate cancer? All of a sudden, everyone gets quiet. I rest my case.
The money is spent in the wrong area. imho
Chester, MRFD is not associated with Cancer Society, it is an independent charity. All operating costs are covered by corporate sponsorship, all funds raised by riders are put into the local community by way of awareness and research grants.
If you have any questions regarding the Motorcycle ride for Dad charity take a look at the webpage. Not all charities are created equally.
Chester, MRFD is not associated with Cancer Society, it is an independent charity. All operating costs are covered by corporate sponsorship, all funds raised by riders are put into the local community by way of awareness and research grants.
If you have any questions regarding the Motorcycle ride for Dad charity take a look at the webpage. Not all charities are created equally.
Comments for this article are closed.