The Thunder Bay Police Association president is challenging all other local law enforcement members to participate in this year’s Cops for Cancer event.
The May 12 fundraiser sees participants shave their heads and pledge money in support of cancer research.
Police association president Greg Stephenson said he’s hoping firefighters and other law enforcement groups will step forward and join the event this year.
“I put the plea out there and then I start rattling the cage and hopefully get some more (participants),” he said Tuesday at the event’s launch at the Balmoral Street station.
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Throughout the past 16 years, Cops for Cancer has raised $500,000 locally and Stephenson said they hope to raise $25,000 this year and recruit about 50 participants.
“Cancer touches everybody,” he said, adding the police association holds the event every year to give back to the community.
“It’s something we’ve kept alive for this long and it’s something I enjoy doing. It’s to help beat cancer. That’s what our main goal is,” Stephenson said.
To kick off this year’s campaign former hockey player Jesse Pyatt had his head shaved, with Stephenson making the first cut.
The decision to participate this year was a no –brainer for Pyatt.
“It’s a great cause. Everyone’s been affected by (cancer) or knows someone. I’m just here to show my support for the cause,” he said.
Pyatt’s wife shaved a strip of her hair off this year to support a friend battling the disease so he thought the least he could do is shave his head.
And he was enjoying his new look.
“Feels good, nice and fresh. I’m ready for the summer,” he said.
For more information visit www.copsforcancer.ca.
