Brayden Ottenbreit’s Close Cuts for Cancer is seeing a couple changes for the 2016 campaign, which kicked off at Yorkton Hyundai on April 29.
The first change will be where the money goes. Funds raised by Close Cuts will continue to go to cancer research, but will now be used to support the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Leone Ottenbreit, event co-founder and organizer, says that they were impressed by what they have been doing in the province, including leading edge cancer research at the University of Saskatchewan.
“We always want to keep our money as local as possible.”
The second, and most visible, change for the event will be the “Close Cuts Mobile,” a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon provided by Yorkton Hyundai. Describing the car as a blessing, Ottebreit says they intend to drive it anywhere and everywhere to promote the event, and will keep it stocked with volunteer forms and information so that if anyone sees the car they will be able to be part of the event.
The dealership itself will be going further than just a vehicle, donating $100 from each sale in the month of May to Close Cuts. Ron Kaban, Dealer Principal at Yorkton Hyundai, says that they wanted they thought it was a program to support because cancer has affected so many people within the community.
“I think we’ve all been affected by cancer one way or another. I lost my father with cancer, my sister had two bouts fighting cancer, thank god she’s alive and well.”
The donation of the vehicle was also a way to help the organizing team, as Kaban felt that it was the best way their business could assist Ottenbreit in organizing the event.
“She’s such a hard working woman and this was a way to help her out.”
There will be several events over the next month as part of the Close Cuts campaign. On May 7, there will be a barbecue at The Brick, hosted by Stacy Neufeld of ReMax. There will be a barbecue at Bell on May 13. On May 19 there will be a barbecue at Yorkton Hyundai, followed by the Gourmet Hot Dog Sale at Cornerstone Credit Union on May 20. On May 26 there will be a Taco in a Bag sale at Royal Bank, before the main event, the head shave at Parkland Mall on May 28.
There is also an event with the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery that is currently being planned which will happen in the month, with the Five 5tages exhibit by Brianne Urzada, formerly of Yorkton.
