Jason Thompson is on a mission.
The Fergus man has committed himself to conquering cancer by participating in the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
His goal will entail taking a bike ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls and also raising about $2,500 for cancer research.
Princess Margaret Hospital and its research partner, the Ontario Cancer Institute, have earned an international reputation as global leaders in the fight against cancer.
On June 20 to 22, Thompson and other participants will embark on a two-day cycling journey of over 200 km through Southern Ontario from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Riders are required to raise at least $2,500 – with all the proceeds going to Princess Margaret Hospital to support cancer research, treatment, and services.
Thompson is dedicating his ride to his son, Jakob, and his son’s grandfather.
“My father-in-law is a cancer survivor, now five years cancer free. Jakob will be turning 5 in March – if you do the math it’s obvious that we owe much to the likes of Princess Margaret Hospital and we are extremely thankful that Jakob has a fantastic relationship with his Grampy,” said Thompson.
Although he is well on his way to reaching the $2,500 goal, with $775 donated to date, Thompson is eager to fundraise for the cause.
His first fund raising event is the Leap Year Party to Conquer Cancer at the Fergus Legion on Feb. 29. All proceeds from that event will be directed toward the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Thompson hopes that event will help him to surpass his fundraising goal. The party will run 8pm to 1am. Tickets for the event are $10 each – and are available at Cherry Hill Video.
“I’m looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic party,” Thompson said. “The Legion will be providing the bar, and I’ve arranged for a great and danceable band – Killin’ Time – to play for the night.”
The evening will include an auction of local artists’ work and products from local businesses, draws, and a door prize. A coat check will be provided by high school students, who will split the earnings with Thompson – using their share to benefit Jacob’s Place, mission trips organized by a Centre Wellington District High School teacher.
Tickets are selling quickly and there are 160 distributed. The Legion’s capacity is 300, and Thompson hopes to sell it out.
He also thanked Minuteman Press on St. Andrew Street for printing the tickets for less than cost as a donation to the cause.
Tickets are available at Cherry Hill Video during regular business hours or contact Thompson directly at kajy@sympatico.ca or 519-787-7680.
To support the cause with a donation, visit the website at www.conquercancer.ca and enter Thompson’s participant ID number 520762-4, or call 416-815-RIDE (7433).
Anyone can join the ride. According to organizers all they need is a bike, a helmet and a little motivation.
