History
“If I had gotten checked this time last year,
I wouldn't be planning my own funeral today.”
Charlie Pester, Kingston educator and role model
That’s the quote that started the Ride For Dad. That single sentence serves as an inspiration for the hundreds of people across Canada who raise money for prostate cancer awareness and research through annual local Rides.
When Garry Janz heard the words of Charlie Pester in 2000, he was moved to do something to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer. Along with Byron Smith of the Ottawa Police Association, Janz organized the first Ride For Dad in Ottawa. That first ride involved some 80 motorcyclists and raised just over $20,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Center.
The Ottawa Ride became an annual event and experienced phenomenal growth each year. Soon, other cities were requesting similar events be held in their communities. From its humble beginnings, the Ride For Dad has grown to include 30 cities across Canada and plans are underway for several more. Today, more than 100,000 men, women and children have been involved…raising over $9,000,000 to fight prostate cancer!