Founded by the Dustin Family, Harness the Hope is approaching its 16th year of raising funds, awareness and supporting programs that help those affected by cancer.
Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and the Pink Pearl Foundation, a lesser-known charitable organization making a big impact by offering social and emotional support to young women in southern Ontario over the course of their cancer journey. In addition, all proceeds from the sale of their merchandise in 2021 enable them to provide care packages for patients receiving active cancer treatments.
Harness the Hope is making three additional stops at the following tracks in Ontario:
• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 22
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Aug. 28
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Oct. 17
“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.
Recently, as part of the OLG Ontario Women’s Driving Championship, eight of Ontario’s female drivers generously donated their earnings from Dresden Raceway on Sunday, July 18 to Harness the Hope. A sincere thank you on behalf of the committee goes to: Natasha Day (2021 Champion), Pam Forgie, Maggie Jones, Andrea Leon, Marie-Claude Auger, Julie Walker, Britt Kennedy, Marielle Enberg and to Hanover Raceway and Dresden Raceway for their additional donations.
More details to come for the 16th annual Harness the Hope at The Raceway at Western Fair District. The on-track event date is Friday, Oct. 22 and the Live Online Show is slated for Sunday, Oct. 24.
Visit harnessthehope.com and follow them on Facebook for updates and news.
(With files from Harness The Hope)