Whether or not plaid is having a renaissance is a much-debated issue. While hipsters say yes, fashionistas give it a resounding no.
But what about wearing plaid for a cause?
On June 19, everyone is encouraged to do just that in support of dad. Wear Plaid for Dad is the latest fundraising initiative from Prostate Cancer Canada, which urges men, women and children to pledge to wear plaid and put their money where their mouth is.
The campaign is launching in the run-up to Father’s Day June 21. Individuals and workplaces are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to meet before that date and celebrate their success by wearing plaid June 19.
David Walker, vice-president for Western Canada of Prostate Cancer Canada, said the idea came out of a need to do something simple.
“Dads don’t do it for themselves. It’s their partner or loved one or even their kids, who will do something for dad,” Walker said. “It’s quite simple really. Wear plaid for dad.”
Donations are done through FundAid, a Glacier Media company. Glacier Media also owns the Courier.
John Winter, president and CEO of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 11 years ago.
“I think the message is clear that you have to make sure, once you reach a certain stage in life at least, the likelihood of contracting something like this is high,” said Winter, who also sits on the Prostate Cancer Canada B.C. Leadership Council. “You need to be prepared for it, and the best way is to find it early.”
According to the Prostate Cancer Canada website, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, representing 24 per cent of all new cases. In 2014, an estimated 23,600 men were diagnosed.
Winter got involved with Prostate Cancer Canada after his own diagnosis and now makes it a priority to increase awareness.
Several celebrities, including Hockey Night in Canada’s Don Cherry, have pledged to wear plaid in support of the fundraiser. Winter said this initiative is important because it increases visibility for a disease that too often goes unnoticed.
“It’s the male version of breast cancer in its impact,” he said. “I think that too many men are adverse to check-ups with doctors, they are not as committed to regular visits as women are, and I think that’s part of the problem.”
Walker said they’re hoping participants come out in full force — and full plaid — in support of the men in their lives.
“It’s a community spirit there, or daughters and sons can do something for their dad,” he said.
“On June 19, we would like to empty Value Village of their plaid and have plaid from coast to coast to coast, everyone wearing plaid.”
For details, go to wearplaidfordad.ca .
@KathleenSaylors
