Tom Clapp launches Tom’s Bucket Run

allows a choice of where funds will be directed.

Tom, who turned 80 last year, is accustomed to fundraising, and wants to do something big this year for his “grand finale” fundraiser. He hopes to raise not just funds, but also awareness about the importance of being tested for prostate cancer.

Graham Thompson from the Ottawa Hospital Foundation spoke to the group at the launch event, providing information on the fundraising specifics.

by Brandon Mayer

Local resident and wellknown prostate cancer fundraiser Tom Clapp has launched his latest fundraising campaign, “Tom’s Bucket Run”. On May 27, Tom will participate in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend in Ottawa, with the goal of raising $80,000. The goal is for 50% of the funds raised to be donated to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation for the Cancer Navigation Program, which has been funded largely over the years by the Dare to Flash a Stache program.

Tom explained at the launch event for his newest fundraising campaign that he is working in partnership with Prostate Cancer Support Ottawa. The local prostate cancer support group –the Black Walnut Group – is still running, with a meeting planned this week. Tom’s wife, daughter, and son-inlaw were all in attendance at the launch, as were one representative each from the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation, and members of Tom’s team.

Tom told the story of a man from Kitchener who didn’t know he had anything wrong with him before being diagnosed with prostate cancer. The man in question was the epitome of health at the time of his diagnosis, having been involved in much physical activity, even as a fitness instructor. This same man has a friend who he had been trying to convince to undergo a prostate-specific antigen test. The friend had issues getting his doctor to agree to the test, but when he finally went for the test, he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Tom described this as “maddening”, since early diagnosis is crucial.

Tom is well known for the local Dare to Flash a Stache fundraiser, which has raised over $200,000 over the years for prostate cancer research. Dare to Flash a Stache has been chosen as the fundraiser of choice in years past instead of Movember because it

“This year, as Tom said, he wants to celebrate his 80th anniversary and raise a substantial amount,” said Graham. “$80,000 isn’t an easy amount to raise, but we know if anybody can do it, it’s Tom and his network and all of his connections.”

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend expects about 25,000-30,000 participants yearly. Tom and his team will be participating in the 5K run, running under the Tom’s Bucket Run name as part of the Charity Challenge.

You can make a donation to Tom’s Bucket Run team at https://raceroster. com/events/2023/64371/ tamarack-ottawa-raceweekend-2023/pledge/ team/479825. To learn more about the event itself, visit https://www.runottawa.ca/ races-and-events/ottawa5k.