By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
Spectators at the Ponoka Stampede will see something spectacular on June 29. In addition to the horses, cowboys and chuckwagons there will hopefully be a whole arena of support.
The Ponoka Stampede Association has declared June 29 Wranglers Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day to enhance breast cancer awareness and everyone that comes out is encouraged to wear pink.
This will be the third year for TETWP and over the past two years the event has raised over $50,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
All the money raised stays within the prairie region and goes towards reasearch and community grants.
Debby Grant, public health nurse for the David Thompson Health Region believes that the event has been so successful because of the passion that is behind the support.
“Everybody knows of somebody that has been touched by breast cancer or have had it themselves,” said Grant. “People feel passionate because it’s something that has truly affected them in one way or another.”
There will also be two booths set up at the stampede, one in front of the grandstand and one infield. They will be selling items such as bracelets and will also have educational information available for people to read. There will be nurses from the breast health project at the booth to provide education and awareness such as teaching about breast health and the signs of early detection.
Blake Butterfield president of the Ponoka Stampede Association is pleased to see the cowboys grabbing a hold on TETWP day and displaying their pink colours.
“It’s kind of catchy because cowboys are supposed to be big and tough and they are wearing pink,” said Butterfield. “It’s a good idea for the cowboys to do it. I’ve never heard any cowboys complain about having to wear a pink shirt because it’s for a good cause.”
An angel quilt that was donated by a group in Olds will also be on display at the booth. The quilt has an angel pattern that people have signed in memory of loved ones who have lost their battle with breast cancer.
The massive display of pink around and on the Stampede grounds will give visual attention to the massive support people with this cancer are receiving. Grant believes that it is a chance to see first hand the attention and care felt towards breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is certainly a family disease, it involves the men in the woman’s life as well,” she said. “This is an avenue to show the support women have from the men in their life.”
During the Stampede a 50/50 draw will be taken for both performances by the Ponoka Cadet Club and they will be donating their share to the cause. The Stampede will also be donating a share of their 50/50 draw.
Help support the cause on June 29 by being Tough Enough to Wear Pink and show your encouragement to those who have been touched by breast cancer.