Members of the Captain's Club, the 25 highest grossing fundraisers in the history of the Nipissing Ride for Dad were saluted by co-chair John Strang and the organizing committee Monday at the launch event for the 2017 ride. Those 25 riders, who have each raised a minimum of $1,000 (and some in excess of $10,000), have accounted for bringing in $118,000, all of which stays in the community.
Since the inaugural Ride for Dad in 2008, 3,000 motorcyclists have taken part and have raised $300,000 in all nine editions of the charity ride benefitting prostate cancer research and awareness.
MP Anthony Rota and Mayor Al McDonald were on hand to kick off the 2017 campaign and encourage participation. McDonald said that he will be riding once again this year, while Rota, a cancer survivor, touched on the importance of early detection. "We all have parts that break down sometimes. It's important to get them checked," said Rota.
One in six Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes and 12 perish from the disease daily.
Raymond Yelle, who joins Strang as co-chair, observed that the Ride "attracts hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from our region that want to give back to their community."
"Everyone can participate, riders and non-riders alike" added Celebrity Ride Captain Mitch Belanger of Rogers Radio.
Motorcycle riders, prostate cancer patients, their families and non-riders can learn more about participating and donating by visiting their website.
"We also want non-riders to get involved by becoming a champion, making a donation, or volunteering at the event," said Yelle.
The TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad started small but now holds 40 different events across Canada. More than 100,000 people have taken part, raising more than $23 million over the years.
"Prostate cancer is a needless killer for men. The more the community is aware and educated about prostate cancer, the less chance there is to lose the men in our lives to this terrible disease," said Strang, "the Motorcycle Ride for Dad not only raises funds to fight this disease, but it also gives men and their families a reason to talk about it."
"Last year's ride raised over $30,000 as well as awareness in the Nipissing region, and this year our objective is to raise an additional $40,000 and we need the community’s support to reach these goals," said Yelle. "We encourage everyone to reach deep into their pockets – do it for your dad, your brother, and your friends!"
