THUNDER BAY – Cops for Cancer has been raising funds for pediatric cancer research for 22 years in Thunder Bay and they’ll be at it once again next month.
Greg Stephenson of the Thunder Bay Police Service, a driving force behind the annual fundraising event, on Thursday said they’ve set their target at $20,000 – although they’ll be looking to collect the money at a new venue, moving from Intercity Shopping Centre to the Thunder Bay Country Market.
Stephenson said it’s a great spot with plenty of traffic on a Saturday morning.
“It’s a new venue, but we’re hoping we get a good walk-up crowd,” he said. “Obviously Saturday is a very busy day for them and we’re very excited about it.”
Started in Edmonton by Sgt. Gary Goulet after a young boy named Lyle Jorgenson, who going through chemotherapy treatments, was bullied after losing his hair, Cops for Cancer has been a top fundraising in Thunder Bay for more than two decades, one police and the public are only too happy to support.
“Everybody, from all walks of life is touched by cancer. We’ve certainly had our share of losses of officers and family members. It’s a way for us to give back to the community. It’s a very simple fundraiser. Obviously all you have to do is to be able to shave your head, and everybody has a head and hair,” Stephenson said, adding it’s also an annual tribute to a fallen colleague, Dave Duncan, whose life was taken by cancer in 2003.
Maria Cabral, regional manager at the Canadian Cancer Society Northwest, said the May 11 event is a longstanding tradition and it’s important to their fundraising efforts for the year.
“This one concentrates on pediatric cancer, kids with cancer. We’ve got a longstanding relationship with Thunder Bay Police and other members of the public, who just love to get their head shaved,” Cabral said.
“It’s a very simple event, so I think that’s why it attracts so many people. And at the same time, because it’s pediatric cancers, everyone wants to see kids outside playing and having fun, not inside being sick. Everyone rallies behind sick kids.”
Cops for Cancer is open to everyone, not just police, although the Canadian Cancer Society is challenging all first responders and public-service workers and politicians to take part.
To sign up or donate, visit www.copsforcancer.ca.
