Ottawa's TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad launched their 2012 campaign for the fight against prostate cancer!

OTTAWA, May 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Ottawa's TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad launched their 2012 fundraising campaign yesterday at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. The launch marked the beginning of their month long fundraising initiative to gather support and pledges for their motorcycle ride being held in Ottawa on June 2^nd in support of prostate cancer research and awareness.

The ride will be a day of fun for a serious cause. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed men's cancer. One in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime.

"Prostate cancer is a needless killer for men," said Jim Summers, co-chair of the Ottawa chapter. "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. The TELUS 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"

The Ottawa Ride is the largest across Canada. In 2011, it raised a record breaking $415,000 for prostate cancer research and awareness and had the highest number of participants of any Ride For Dad event at 2,350! This year they are aiming even higher with goals of raising $500,000 and having over 2,500 riders participate.

"This Ride attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from our region that want to give back to their community, but we also want non-riders to get involved by becoming a champion, making a donation or volunteering at the event," said Garry Janz, president of the Ride For Dad. "We need the national capital region to help us reach our fundraising goals. Prostate cancer affects everyone. We encourage everyone to reach deep into their pockets - do it for your dad, your brother and your friends!"

To help the Ride reach their goals Freedom Harley Davidson® of Ottawa is donating a Harley-Davidson® 883 Iron motorcycle to give away to one lucky participant on Ride day! In addition to this amazing prize, participants will get a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas and a one week stay at the CondoOasis in Mont Tremblant! Full details can be found at www.RideForDad.ca

The TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad is Canada's largest annual motorcycle event dedicated to fighting prostate cancer through research and awareness. From its humble beginnings, the Ride for Dad has grown to include events in over 30 cities in every province in the country. Today, more than 100,000 men, women and children have been involved, raising more than $9 million to fight prostate cancer.

"TELUS has long been a supporter of charities working toward a future without cancer," said Fitti Lourenco, Director, Federal Government Affairs, TELUS. "Since 2000, TELUS and our team members have invested more than $15 million for research, early detection and treatment of cancer in Canada. We are proud to support a critical cause that affects so many men and their families and I personally can't wait to get my bike on the road to help fight prostate cancer!"

Motorcycle riders, prostate cancer patients and their families, and non-riders can learn more about participating and donating by visiting www.RideForDad.ca

Media inquiries:
Kelly Goulet
National Communications Manager
[email protected]
613-722-6131
613-447-6412

Jim Summers
Co-Chair
[email protected] 
613-884-6733