Another fantastic year for The Boob Tour participants as they raise money for local cancer patients

 

The 7^th Annual Boob Tour event was held at the Whitecourt Community Centre on December 2. The yearly event is the primary fundraiser for the Whitecourt Cancer & Wellness Society. “The funds that we raise go to helping cancer patients in town,” explained Cheryl Duncan-Molloy, treasurer of the Whitecourt Cancer Fighters. “We have a gas and grocery card program that we started in October 2015 and I think we have given out $500 to over 80 people.” And, that’s just one of the amazing things they do.

For rural cancer patients, as Cheryl knows all too well as a survivor herself, the costs that incur from having to travel for appointments get very high. From parking, to food, gas, overnight stays, and all the other costs that coincide with the appointment itself including medications, the costs just go up and up. “We help people with bills and the costs of parking for those who have to go for appointments in the city. It really adds up fast so it’s great when we can do this one event and Whitecourt comes out and supports us very generously and we are able to help out a lot of people.”

The society was formed in 2002 and was mainly a support group at that time, but soon grew to be so much more. “In 2009, there was a young girl who was dying of breast cancer in town and she wanted her mom to come but they couldn’t afford it. So, they fundraised and got some air miles and were able to help her. We saw a need there.  People need help for things,” said Cheryl.

“Whitecourt is super generous. Not only do we have the people who buy the tickets and come out for the event, but we have tons of sponsors, too. With 104 items this year, it was massive! I’m pretty sure that’s the highest we’ve ever had. People just kept giving us stuff! Even the day before the event, more was coming in. It’s really amazing,” she added.

The Boob Tour, run by James Uloth, features four comedians that have audiences laughing all evening long. “These guys are always top notch. Our headliner this year was Steve Mazan, and he is a cancer survivor himself,” explained Cheryl.

Mayor Maryann Chichak played MC for the evening as she thanked sponsors, and introduced the first comedian. She said she was very proud of the generosity of the community. As the evening went on, guests laughed, bid on items and, throughout it all, helped raise money for those who need it most. “We are totally grateful for the support we get from the community, and to our many, many sponsors and our huge volunteer base. Thank you, Whitecourt! This goes to help a lot of people and we couldn’t do it without you,” Cheryl said.