A former member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders is promoting a fundraiser for youth cancer initiatives.
Dan Rashovich, who played for the Green and White from 1987 to 1999, is involved with the upcoming Believe in the Gold run/walk in Regina. The charitable organization takes its name from the fact that gold is the colour for childhood cancer.
He became involved with the cause after getting a phone call from a former teammate with the Toronto Argonauts.
“I knew nothing about this three months ago, but I feel like I’m an expert now,” said Rashovich.
Believe in the Gold will happen on Sept. 30 at Wascana Park. Walks will be two kilometres, five kilometres or 10 kilometres in length. Rashovich has stepped forward to chair the event.
“I talked to our Rider alumni about it, and all the guys have jumped on board to say this is a worthy cause, because in our mandate is to work with children,” said Rashovich.
Thirty to 40 Rider alumni are expected to be in attendance.
He hopes to see a healthy contingent of people from the Estevan area at the fundraiser. People can register individually, as families or in teams.
Registrations will be accepted until the start of the event.
There will a kids’ zone with a variety of activities, as well as giveaways, prizes for the best gold costumes and other activities. Candy stations will be located along the route for the kids.
“It’s going to be a big, fun festival, and it’s just a big thing for people who are going through this to know that there are people who are aware of it,” said Rashovich.
On the walk, there will be tribute markers for children who have died from cancer, and warrior markers for young people who are still fighting cancer.
Money raised through the walk will be used to support families of children with cancer for any out-of-pocket expenses. Forty-five per cent will stay in Saskatchewan, 45 per cent goes to research and 10 per cent is directed towards awareness.
Rashovich noted Crescent Point Energy Corp. has come on as a top sponsor for the event, which is why it the run-walk is coming to Regina for the first time this year. It is in its fifth year in Calgary.
