“Every year, when I see the Saanich Braves players come out on the ice for Pink in the Rink, my heart skips a beat. The event really has taken on a life of its own,” reflects Brett Hyslop.
Hyslop founded the non-profit charity Anneswer to Cancer in memory of his mother, Anne Gerard, after her death from mesothelioma, and the Saanich Junior Braves have contributed their support for the last three years through their annual Pink in the Rink event.
After her diagnosis, Anne Gerard and her family had searched for solutions and for a time it appeared she may have beaten the disease, but in the end, the cancer won out. Forever thankful for the Victoria Hospice team who helped Anne and her family through their journey, Hyslop launched the charity to raise money for Victoria Hospice and for families fighting mesothelioma on Vancouver Island.
Today, Anneswer for Cancer has raised an amazing $500,000+, and in the last year alone their efforts totalled $70,000.
At the heart of Anneswer to Cancer is Hyslop’s annual community soccer event which welcomes supporters and volunteers each spring for family-friendly games and competitions, auctions and more, all to raise money for the charity.
Even if playing soccer isn’t your forte, there’s fun for all and everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the games and contribute to a great cause.
Can’t make it out? Anneswer to Cancer also welcomes online donations at anneswertocancer.com.
Many of the dedicated volunteers for that event also come help with Pink in the Rink, showing how connected the sports community – and Greater Victoria in general – is, Hyslop says.
“It really doesn’t matter what sport your family plays, we’re all related,” Hyslop says, crediting his amazing volunteers for their efforts to keep Anneswer to Cancer fun and exciting each year.
Joining forces once again, this year’s Pink in the Rink is shaping up to be even better than ever as the Saanich Braves prepare to take on the Victoria Cougars on Friday, Oct. 26.
