Bombardier Charity Walk Launches

Standing on the 18^th green at the prestigious Whitewater Golf Club, representatives from the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, Bombardier Transportation and the Thunder Bay Kings were thrilled to officially launch the Bombardier Charity Walk that will take place on Sunday, July 17 during the final round of the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel.

This new charity event in support of the Northern Cancer Fund gives participants the chance to walk a 3 km route through the scenic Whitewater Golf Course; highlighting the best views and scenery that players on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada will see as they play their final round in the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel.

“The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel is a world-class sporting event, community celebration and fundraiser all in one. It’s part of our mission to raise funds and awareness for amazing charities doing incredible work in our region,” said Staal Foundation Open Executive Director Scott Smith. “The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel is honoured to have a world-class leader like Bombardier on board as a sponsor for the Bombardier Charity Walk and want to thank them for supporting our foundation’s mission in such a big way.”

“The Bombardier Charity Walk is open to people of all ages and we encourage families to join us,” said Tim Bernardi, Special Events Officer, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Registration is $20 for those aged 14 years and up, and free for kids under 14. It includes the walk, a t-shirt, snacks along the way, and a ball for the haul-a-ball contest that will take place that day,” he added.

Registration for the walk is available at healthsciencesfoundation.ca or by phone at 345-HOPE (4673). All registrants are encouraged to raise pledges in advance of the walk in support of exceptional cancer care through the Northern Cancer Fund.

On July 17th, registrants will check in at the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., participate in the haul-a-ball contest at 3:45 p.m. and start walking at approximately 4:00 p.m. The group will gather behind the final players as they tee off on the 18th hole, and follow them up the 18th fairway for ‘front row seats’ at the conclusion of the tournament.

Bombardier Thunder Bay General Manager Carolyne Leroux said the Charity Walk is about giving back and getting out into the community. “Thunder Bay plays such an important role for Bombardier Transportation, for our operation and as the place we and our employees call home. The Bombardier Charity Walk will be a tremendous show of strength and support for our city and the Northern Cancer Fund. I look forward to seeing our team walk down the fairway at the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel.”

Another prominent local organization lending their support to the Bombardier Charity Walk is the Thunder Bay Kings AAA Hockey Organization. The Kings, now in their 27th season, have over 2200 Alumni; players, coaches, managers and trainers, many of whom have experienced a cancer journey first hand. “Cancer is a diagnosis that is, unfortunately, known to all of us,” said Michael Power, Director, Thunder Bay Kings. “That’s why, this morning, I’m proud to announce the Thunder Bay Kings are launching our ‘Kings Fight Cancer’ fundraising platform in support of the Northern Cancer Fund. Our players will be active participants in the Bombardier Charity Walk, our teams will wear new jerseys to promote the cause during a select number of games and warm ups and a share of the proceeds from the annual Jim Johnson Memorial Charity event will be directed to the Northern Cancer Fund.”

Continued Power, “I’ve spent most of my professional career in cancer care; starting with the incredible team here in Thunder Bay. Every day, I witness, first hand, the unbelievable transformation that is happening in cancer treatment right now. Thanks to personalized patient regimes and targeted treatments, more patients will survive their diagnosis of cancer than have to fight what was once a losing battle. It is our privilege, as members of the Thunder Bay Kings, to continue to provide hope to those facing a cancer diagnosis, and keep families closer-to-home with exceptional cancer care here in Northwestern Ontario.”

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