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On Sunday, a group of 10 women will hop on their snowmobiles for a six-day ride across Saskatchewan raising awareness for breast cancer and funds for research and equipment.
Over the last 18 years, the non-profit organization Prairie Women on Snowmobiles has raised more than $2.5 million for the Canadian Cancer Society and over $300,000 for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
Their 2019 ride begins Sunday in Meadow Lake stopping in several communities including Maple Creek and Swift Current before ending in Prince Albert on Feb 8.
President Kelly Rea said on Gormley the ride averages about 1600 kilometres if they stay on the snow but it is longer by the highway, which they may have to stick to in some areas.
“It’s a big ride this year. Unfortunately, we’re getting reports from the south there’s no snow down there,” said Rea.
To qualify, each rider had to raise a minimum of $3,000, own a snowmobile and raise awareness as they speak at each stop.
Those who want to donate can do so in person at each stop or through the website www.prairiewomenonsnowmobiles.ca.
Money donated through the website goes toward research through the Canadian Cancer Society. Any money that’s given to the actual rider goes to the donor’s choice of research or equipment. The equipment that’s purchased stays in Saskatchewan.
Rea said riding on a snowmobile for six days straight can get painful but explained the rewards outweigh the discomfort.
“It’s actually a good pain. Your thumbs are sore, your legs are sore, your arms hurt a bit but it’s all for such a great cause,” she said.
Rea said everybody rides for their own reason, whether they are cancer survivors or know someone with cancer.
“We need to find a cure. We need to eradicate this disease and this is one way that we all feel that we can be part of that.”
