Photo: From left, Stacey Zurburg, breast cancer survivor Rebecca Morlidge and Brandy Schwenk are three of seven I Love Alberta Boobs team members taking to the streets of Calgary July 24 and 25. -Photo Submitted
By Andrea Nicholl
A Lloydminster resident has pledged to end women’s cancers by declaring commitment to I Love Alberta Boobs.
Brandy Schwenk and six Calgarian women have established I Love Alberta Boobs, a seven member walking team which will participate in a 60 kilometre, two-day walk through downtown Calgary to raise money and awareness for The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, held on July 24 and 25.
Schwenk participated in the walk last year while pregnant with twins and says the atmosphere is uplifting and makes the walk more fun than work.
“It’s such a great experience; the energy is indescribable, everybody is so happy, friendly and it’s such a great cause. All along the way, random residents have their houses decorated, their cars decorated and little kids sit on their driveways watching us go by.
“I wish I could show more people what it’s like,” said the I Love Alberta Boobs co-captain. “It’s amazing, just being there and seeing all of the women who have survived their cancers.”
To be eligible to participate in the walk, each team member must raise a minimum of $2,000 by the beginning of July, or participants must pay out of pocket. I Love Alberta Boobs has currently raised $5,700, but hopes to raise an additional $3,000 to $5,000 with a Border City concert and silent auction evening, working to their ultimate goal of $16,200.
I Love Alberta Boobs will welcome Travis Pankiw (former lead singer of Joshua’s Habit) and his new band Lounge Pistol, to The Bridge on April 24. A silent auction (with an autographed Ovechkin framed print) and a 50/50 draw will be held the same evening, with all proceeds going toward The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, benefitting the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“It’s going to be a great night, great music and it’s for a great cause,” said Schwenk. “Our goal is probably a little higher than we’ll get, but Lloyd’s a small town - well almost small town - so I’m hoping people come out and support us.”
Concert tickets will go on sale April 1 for $12 each, or $20 per pair. For more information email ames@sasktel.net or call Schwenk at (780)808-9624. To follow I Love Alberta Boobs and for more information about The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers log on to www.endcancer.ca.