Have you wondered what exactly happens with the money we raise from our pledge rides? 

Many people think that we collect the proceeds from our annual pledge rides and give the money to CancerCare Manitoba for them to use as they see fit.  That's not quite the case.  Each year, CancerCare Manitoba gives BCPR their wish list.  The BCPR committee then chooses how the money is spent. 

We are pleased to say that we have purchased or helped  purchase a number of items which have helped to better the lives of Manitobans.

Mammograms help in the detection of breast cancer.  We have assisted in updating the mammography units at the Misericordia Hospital. 

We helped purchase the 3rd breast cancer screening mobile mammography unit (Sophie) in Manitoba. Sophies are flown in to remote communities where women would have to be flown out to receive a mammogram.  They are also used at cultural centres to help educate and screen immigrant women who may not be familiar with breast cancer screening.  We also purchased a van to transport Sophie throughout Manitoba.

A printer was purchased for the Manitoba Breast Cancer Screening Education Program.  It is used for educational materials and for promotional materials regarding when the mobile units will be in a community so people are able to book appointments to be screened.

The 2008 ride made it possible to purchase a camera called a Molecular Imager ChemiDoc XRS System for CancerCare Manitoba. It is the most sensitive imaging machine, using a supersensitive camera for viewing molecules within cells.  It allows scientists to look closer at breast cancer tumours identifying specific proteins and genetic material.

Waterproof self exam shower cards were purchased to hand out to women to assist them in performing self exams - something that is vital in the early detection of breast cancer.

There were also wigs purchased for the wig program for women who have lost some or all of their hair due to cancer treatments.