Harness the Hope has announced its first annual Harness the Hope Golf Tournament and the expansion of cancer fundraising events to three provinces in 2023 -- Ontario, P.E.I. and now Nova Scotia.

With the P.E.I. team celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Harness the Hope is elated to welcome the Nova Scotia racetracks and their dedicated volunteers this year.

Founded by the Dustin Family over 18 years ago after their own personal diagnoses with breast cancer, Harness the Hope raises awareness and funds to support Breast Cancer Canada (formerly Breast Cancer Society of Canada) and Pink Pearl Canada. In addition, proceeds from the sale of Harness the Hope's merchandise in 2023 enable the organization to provide care packages for patients receiving active cancer treatments.

The first annual Harness the Hope Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Wednesday, July 19 at Caradoc Sands Golf Club in Strathroy, Ont. A 10 a.m. shotgun start with four-person scramble format will make for a day filled with outstanding prizes. A $5,000 Hole-In-One Contest, Par 3 Closest to the Pin prizes, a $50,000 Shootout Contest and Best Dressed Team prize are just some of the amazing features of the day.

For more details and to register your team or sponsor, click here.

The 2023 Harness the Hope event locations and dates are listed below.

• Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 9 
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, July 15
• First annual Golf Tournament – Wednesday, July 19
• Truro Raceway – Sunday, July 23
• Inverness Raceway – Wednesday, July 26
• Charlottetown Driving Park – Saturday, July 29
• Northside Downs – Saturday, Aug. 5
• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 6
• Grand River Raceway – Friday, Aug. 18
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 24
• Western Fair Raceway – Friday, Oct. 20

“Each racetrack is graciously hosting us and participating in helping us to raise our fundraising goals this year," said Kristy Dustin, Harness the Hope co-founder and breast cancer survivor. "It truly is a community effort within the harness racing community and there is never a shortage of generosity and sense of community. We are grateful that all those in our industry support our efforts year after year.”

Each Harness the Hope Day will feature a Best Dressed in the Backstretch Contest for racing participants to take part in. Fantastic prizes will be awarded to each winning Best Dressed Horse and Best Dressed Groom, who display as much pink attire as possible.

Founders and volunteers will be present at each event with a fully stocked table of swag available. Patrons attending each event will also be entered to win prizes if they wear pink as a show of support.

For more information on Harness the Hope events throughout this year, visit harnessthehope.com.

(With files from Harness the Hope)