Toronto officers kick-started the annual effort to support the Canadian Cancer Society at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

The stage was set, once again, for the annual Cops For Cancer head-shave at Yorkdale on April 13, where up to 100 Service members, their families and community members will shorten their -dos or shave their heads to raise $70,000 for cancer research and support services.

Since 1999, Cops for Cancer has raised more than $750,000 in Toronto to support cancer research.

At the kick-off event, Supt. Frank Bergen said the fundraising will likely top the $70,000 mark this year because the disease strikes a chord with so many people.

“Every day the men and women of the Toronto Police Service have personally been dealing with, or have friends and family affected by this disease,” he said, alongside fellow officers, Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division CEO Martin Kabat, Yorkdale general manager Anthony Casalanguida and young fundraiser Alexandra Connor. City TV Breakfast Television personality Frank Ferragine hosted the event, noting he would shave his head if the April 13 Yorkdale event itself raised over $60,000.

This year there will be an added fundraising effort called Jail & Bail. Participants can opt to be placed in ‘jail’ rather than clip their locks and audience members will raise funds to bail out the participant.

Also new this year, participants who register before March 1, 2013 will automatically be entered to win a $250 gift card courtesy of Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Det. Tricia Johnston, who beat cancer herself, said the battle continues on all around her.

“Cancer has hit my family,” said Johnston, whose mom and sister were also struck by the disease.

“It’s not only affected my immediate family but also my police family, knowing many officers who have fought the battle.”

Cops For Cancer committee member Const. Cheryl Tomlinson-Thompson, who shaved her head in 2010, said everyone can pitch in on the fight against cancer, something she believes will lead to a cure in her lifetime.

“We can do our part by making donations and get more officers and their families involved,” Tomlinson-Thompson said.

“Ultimately we’ll find a cure for the disease.”

She said fundraising and taking part in the head-shave event is special because it exposed her to many inspiring people coping with the disease.

“It’s a very humbling event, realizing I’m standing in solidarity with some very brave people in this world, fighting the disease, who are unsure of their future.”

Donations can be made by clicking here.


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