THUNDER BAY -- In 18 years, the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic has raised more than $2.5 million in support of the Northern Cancer Fund.
Sue Childs, the event chairwoman, says each year she’s amazed at just how much the Thunder Bay curling community comes out to support the women-only event and the impact it’s had providing equipment to the Linda Buchan Centre.
Buchan, who died from cancer in December 2002, and helped found what’s become the Hope Classic in 1998.
“It makes me feel very proud that we have worked hard to get that equipment,” said Childs, who curled alongside Buchan for many years.
“I’m not saying they wouldn’t get that equipment, but I think we have been a major supporter to get it.”
Just how much of an impact has the annual bonspiel had?
Since the Linda Buchan Centre open in 2006, breast-cancer screening numbers have grown by 400 per cent.
As any doctor will say, early detection saves lives.
Glenn Craig, president and CEO of the Health Sciences Foundation, said the event raises awareness and much needed dollars.
“It provides an absolutely huge impact on the breast cancer care we provide at Thunder Bay Regional. At the Linda Buchan Centre, really the equipment is almost entirely been funded by money raised at this event and we are so grateful for that,” Craig said.
Without the Hope Classic, he added, the centre wouldn’t be close to what it is today in Thunder Bay.
“About 20 years ago, cancer care and especially breast cancer care, was extremely disjointed. Women who had suspicions had to navigate the system themselves,” Craig said.
“The centre really provides that patient navigation, so that streamlines the process. But also we have best equipment you can have.”
This includes digital mammography, stereotactic units and the breast cancer screening coach that takes early detection into the region.
“We have all the tools in the arsenal that you need to fight this dreaded disease, and almost entirely because of this event.”
Last year the 48-team Hope Classic, which is scheduled for Feb. 6-8 at the Fort William Curling Club, raised $151,000.
Donations may be made to any of the 220 participants or online.
