Mark Anderson is helping to organize the Ride for Dad motorcycle run in Coaldale, taking place on July 19, 2025. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coaldale ‘Ride for Dad’ raising funds & awareness for prostate cancer

May 22, 2025 | 10:55 AM

The organizer of an upcoming motorcycle run hopes to raise $20,000 for prostate cancer research.

Mark Anderson, Co-Chair of Southern Alberta Coaldale Ride for Dad, says the fifth annual local event takes place on Saturday, July 19.

“We’ll do about a 230 kilometre ride through southern Alberta, starting and stopping at the Coaldale Inn. Riders that come out can raise funds towards our charitable works through the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation,” says Anderson.

Ride for Dad events are being held in 27 communities across the country this summer. Since its inception 25 years ago, Anderson says more than $43 million has been donated.

All of the money that is raised locally is used locally.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“It goes to fund research and awareness projects right here in Alberta, and we’ve had some really significant breakthroughs – both in research out of the University of Alberta and also the Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary.”

After the bike run, the Coaldale Inn will host a concert featuring The Road Hammers, Megan Dawson, and Bow City Underground. Thanks to Ride for Dad’s corporate sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go to prostate cancer research.

As much as this aims to be a fun event, Anderson believes it is also an important one.

The Canadian Cancer Society says prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer in men in Canada.

It is estimated that, in 2024, approximately 27,900 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, representing 22 per cent of all new cancer cases in men. Among those, 5,000 Canadian men will die from the disease.

“That’s where the awareness comes in is making sure guys get tested, especially when you’re 40 or over, you get that PSA [prostate-specific antigen] test. Prostate cancer is one of the very treatable cancers if you catch it early. If you catch it late, it’s too late,” says Anderson.

He continues, “I think one of the neatest things for me, though, is the people I’ve interacted with who’ve found out they had prostate cancer early because they’ve seen a little bit about the ride or they’ve heard about it. Also, some of the fellows who’ve found it a little late and have reached out saying, ‘I don’t know who to turn to,’ We’ve been able to put them in touch with other people in the community who’ve gone through prostate cancer and form their own support groups.”

Anyone who is interested in taking part in the Southern Alberta Ride for Dad group ride can pre-register online now. In-person registrations start at 9:00 a.m. on July 19 at the Coaldale Inn and the kick off is at 11:00 a.m.

You can learn more about the Coaldale event or make donations at RideForDad.ca. The full list of participating communities is available here.