Vicki L MorrisonTELUS Ride For Dad events are year-round power sport fundraisers. Participants ride snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles or watercraft for the purpose of saving men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research, and by heightening public awareness about prostate cancer.
The TELUS Ride for Dad has grown to include almost 40 cities in every province in the country and has expanded from motorcycles to snowmobiles, ATV and watercraft rides, according to the weather. February in Canada is snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle event season.
Today, more than 250,000 men, women and children have been involved, raising more than $13 million to fight prostate cancer. Funds are raised by riders collecting pledges. Non-riders assist the cause by making donations directly to the Ride, by registering as a Champion – or virtual rider, or through supporting an individual rider. National and local sponsors help pay for the cost of organizing events.
“Military members are great supporters of our Ride For Dad events across Canada. Military families love their power sports. It’s a great fit and we’re always looking for more participants,” said Kelly Goulet, national director of development & communications, TELUS Ride For Dad.
“I think we became known in the military community when Ret’d General Rick Hillier became a supporter. He got involved in 2010 when we held a coast to coast ride and divided the proceeds equally between the Military Families Fund and the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation,” said Goulet. “Gen. Hillier brought Rick Mercer on board and now the two of them are supporters. Rick and Rick are great at building awareness.”
“Military members who are interested in participating in the February snowmobiling or all-terrain vehicle fundraisers can check on our website to see where an event is being held near them, then join as an individual or put together a team. Otherwise they can start their own event and donate the proceeds to Ride For Dad. We really appreciate the support,” said Goulet.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in Canadian men. On average, 65 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every day and 11 will die from it. Over 23,600 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in Canada 2013, and 3,900 men will die of the disease in Canada. One in seven Canadian men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Prostate cancer generally affects men over 40, and successful treatment depends on early detection. In the long term, research into improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention will further improve the capacity of the healthcare system to deal with the disease.
TELUS is the national title sponsor of the Ride For Dad. Volunteer executive committees manage the local Rides. Supporting them nationally is a a dedicated board of directors, the Canadian Police Association, ride-day volunteers, executive and thousands of riders who come back year after year.
The first Ride for Dad took place in Ottawa in 2000 with about 80 riders, raising just over $20,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre. Since 2000 the TELUS Ride For Dad has donated more than 13 million dollars towards research and public awareness. Net proceeds from all fundraising efforts benefit the region where the funds are raised, and are split between research and awareness by a parent charity, the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
For more information about how you can get involved please visit Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation
Get More! Receive six issues of Canadian Military Family Magazine in your mail box for only $17.95! Click here to subscribe NOW!
