Ottawa's TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad revved their engines for the year's annual campaign for the fight against prostate cancer!

OTTAWA, June 1, 2013 /CNW/ - 1,600 riders took part in this year's Ottawa TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad raising more than $375,000 for the fight against prostate cancer!

The sight of shining chrome and leather, and the roar of thunder was unforgettable as the riders rode west in a police escorted parade through the city of Ottawa led by Celebrity Ride Captain Eric the Intern from CHEZ 106 and Grand Marshal Chris Phillips from the Ottawa Senators. The TELUS Ride For Dad closed the day with a huge wind-up event at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

The ride was 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. Twelve men will die from it today.

"Prostate cancer is a needless killer for men," said Darren Parson, 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. Men need to get checked, they need to talk about it, and the TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad gives them a reason to."

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 more than 30 cities in every province in the country and has expanded to snowmobiles, ATVs and watercraft. Today, more than 100,000 men, women and children have been involved, raising more than $10 million to fight prostate cancer. Funds are used to benefit the communities where they were raised.

"This Ride attracts hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from our region that want to give back to their community and fight prostate cancer, and non-riders also get involved by becoming champions, making donations, joining the cheering section, or by volunteering at the event," says Darren Parsons. "We've raised over $3 million for prostate cancer research and awareness in the Ottawa region thanks to this generous community, and we can't wait to do it again next year so we can raise even more!"

The Ride is hoping to grow the funds to support prostate cancer research and awareness over the month of June. Donations can be made at www.RideForDad.ca

SOURCE: Motorcycle Ride for Dad - Ottawa Chapter

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

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