Huge Biker 'Gang' Support Local 'Ride For Dad' Prostate Cancer Fundraiser

Zeroing In On A Million Dollars Raised Since 2004

Ride For Dad...Ride For An End

Prostate Cancer is as close as our families and circle of friends and loved ones. Today the Ride For Dad fundraiser roared off into uncertain weather conditions to bring home the much needed funds which will find its way into local hospitals and medical services to provide education, comfort and research for those suffering and living with prostate cancer.

While outgoing local market television CTV weather anchorman Dave MacDonald and fresh in the saddle, current weather wizard Ross Hull could not control the dark clouds and spitting precipitation, there was no shortage of heart, soul and generosity at Sportworld Crossing at 8 a.m. this morning for the  launch of the 2012 Ride For Dad event.

600 plus bikers, countless volunteers and local corporate sponsors fired up their motorcycles and road off into the wild grey yonder which took them some 160 km around the region and Brant County to hammer home the message that prostate cancer can be beaten.

Today's tally sat at over $800,000 and when the proceeds have been counted organizers are hoping they will get close to the million dollar milestone. It's really remarkable for what started out as grassroots community group wanting to make a difference, and then a few short years later they're zeroing in on the magical "M" word.

Kris Hollett of Tri City ready-Mix polished the new truck bearing the Ride For Dad logo. It will operate day in and day out, in regular service and be a moving billboard for the support and eradication of prostate cancer.

Tri City has been a big supporter of this initiative," says Hollett. This truck hasn't been driven yet. It's brand new and has been parked in the garage at work, and today is its christening in honour of this cause."

Wayne Mantle, has been fighting prostate cancer for years, enduring extensive treatments, while living with the uncertainties of a wicked enemy. But he's back this year and he vows to be taking part in the 2013 ride.

"My cancer is back," he says. "But I'm continuing the fight," he said with a shrug. "I'm going to continue to live my life and enjoy it the way I always have."

Chief of Police Matt Torigian and Deputy Chief  of Police Operations Brent Thomlison, lead the throngs of bikes of every brand and colour out of the parking lot and into Kitchener-Waterloo to begin the journey which would last several hours.

Ride For Dad continues its road trip of life. One of the biggest benefits of the awareness it brings, is that dads, uncles, brothers and neighbours are getting checked out in greater numbers than ever before. "This is saving lives," said Dave MacDonald. "Through early diagnosis, more men are catching it in time and living to tell the tale AND most importantly, are joining in the ride themselves to encourage others to go get tested and avoid what can be a preventable health hazard."

Ride For Dad would like to thank all of the volunteers, supporters, and the corporate sponsors in their commitment to help in the fight against prostate cancer.

View Video interview with Dave MacDonald and Ross Hull (Please Note: adjust volume to your comfort level.)