Ottawa's TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad launched their 2013 campaign for the fight against prostate cancer!

OTTAWA, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Ottawa's TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad launched their 2013 fundraising campaign today at Big Rig Brewery. 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 1^st 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 of men," said Darren Parsons, 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 2012, it raised over $400,000 locally for prostate cancer research and awareness! 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 Darren. "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!"

This year's Ride is particularly special to those in the Ride For Dad family. "In 2013 the Ride For Dad honours the memory and spirit of former Ride Captain Larry Colotelo," said Byron Smith, Ride For Dad co-founder and national ride captain. "He would have been the first amongst us to raise his hand willing to fight for life."

To help the Ride reach their goals Freedom Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa has donated over $3500 in prizes for participants on Ride day! In addition to these amazing prizes, participants will get a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas or a Harley-Davidson® gift card valued up to $5000! Full details can be found at www.RideForDad.ca

This year, Big Rig Brewery is gearing up and supporting the Ride For Dad. Big Rig's Brewmaster Lon Ladell has created a new beer, aptly named 'Iron Arse Ale', which was also launched today and will be available at Big Rig until the end of June. Said Ladell, "This handcrafted beer has been brewed as a 'private label' and will be sold exclusively to raise funds for the Ride For Dad prostate cancer research and awareness initiative."

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 $10 million to 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

SOURCE: Motorcycle Ride for Dad - Ottawa Chapter

Kelly Goulet
National Communications Manager
[email protected]
613-722-6131/613-447-6412

Jen Arntfield
Ottawa Marketing and Promotions
[email protected] 
613-447-2441