The Durham Lords volleyball teams raised just over $900 at their games on Friday while also bringing awareness for breast cancer and support for the Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
The Durham Lords faced the Loyalist Lancers on Oct. 17, where fans were encouraged to wear pink and donate.
The home opener was a blowout win for the Lords women’s team. Durham cruised to a 3–0 victory over the Loyalist Lancers, taking the sets 25–10, 25–10 and 25–13.
Head coach Tony Clarke led them to that win, while also organizing the annual fundraiser.
“I want to make sure that we give back to the community,” he said. “It gives the athletes a sense of belonging.”
As a cancer survivor himself, Clarke understands the impact cancer can have on a family. His own sister also survived breast cancer.
“No one can say they have never known someone or ever come across someone that’s been affected by breast cancer or cancer in general,” he said.
The Lords team showed up and showed out for the event, wearing bright pink shirts during warm-ups and pink bows in their hair throughout the entire game.
One player, Jessica Docherty, known as “Doc” by her teammates, said they wear the bows every year as a sign of support for those affected by breast cancer.
“It helps everyone understand how important it is to come together as community.” she said.
This event was supported by the men’s volleyball team as well. The two teams worked together to raise awareness, with the men’s team also wearing pink.
The crowd reached nearly 250 people over the two games.
Kelly Lumsden, events manager for Hearth Place, said the proceeds go towards supporting the emotional needs of people burdened with the disease.
Hearth Place offers individual counselling, emotional support groups, caregiver and grief support, and support for children diagnosed with cancer.
One fan, Tashawna Chang, was at the event to watch her sister, Tia, play. But this game meant more to her than just familial support.
“Breast cancer hits home for me,” said Chang. “I think it’s amazing that a team is coming together, bringing awareness and also creating opportunities for others to donate.”
Clarke said next month the men’s and women’s teams will come together again to support Movember, a movement created to raise awareness about men’s health. The month-long annual event focuses on issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime and 1 in 36 will die from it.