Doing it for dad again

Photo: Contributed

The 17th annual Do It For Dad Run/Walk to fight prostate cancer in the North Okanagan is once again planned for Father's Day.

“One in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,” said Kathy Conway, CEO of Interior Savings. “This affects many people in our community and we are honoured to join with the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation to support those in our lives who are battling the disease and to help promote early screening.” 

For the past 14 years, Interior Savings has sponsored the event to fight prostate cancer, which is the third leading cause of death from cancer in men in Canada. 

On average, 66 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every day and it is estimated 11 Canadian men will die from this disease daily.

The annual event, organized by the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and the Vernon Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Group will take place on June 19th at Coldstream Ranch.

Do It For Dad features a fun-filled morning beginning with the Coldstream Fire Department signaling the start of the race with their fire truck sirens. Entertainment will be provided by The Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band, Kalamalka Caring Klowns and face painting.

Event Founder and honourary chairperson Dr. April Sanders, will be presenting awards and prizes donated by local supporters to top finishers in male and female categories, as well as most funds raised by an individual and a team.

The winning team will have their names engraved on the PSA Cup, which has been held for the past two years by Doreen’s T-Bags.

All proceeds raised from Do It For Dad stay in the North Okanagan to assist with the education and awareness of prostate cancer. 

This year, funds are being raised to purchase a flexible ureteroscope for the treatment of prostate cancer at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and to provide free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for North Okanagan men.

To date, the event has raised $351,351 for prostate cancer awareness, testing and treatment.

Event registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk and run starts at 9:30. 

Registration is $10 for youths and $20 for adults. Participants who raise $50 or more in pledges will have their registration fee waived.

Pledge forms are available at Interior Savings, Sun FM and at the VJH Foundation Office. For additional information call the Foundation Office at 250-558-1362 or online.