Former Smoky River resident waxing his legs for cancer

Jason Demer’s legs that he will be waxing on June 20.

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

Have you ever had the wicked thought in your head to attempt to wax your husband or boyfriend?

Well now you have a chance to wax a man, and the proceeds are all going to cancer research.

Former Smoky River region resident Jason Demers will be participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and has thought up a unique fundraiser to help raise money for the trip.

“I’m giving people the opportunity to help raise money for cancer, and to wax my legs,” says Demers, who will be taking part in the two-day cycling fundraiser starting on June 27. “Any donation of $20 or more will earn individuals a strip to wax my legs. The person with the highest donation will get the first waxing strip.”

Demers explains Ellen Davies and Heather Gorgichuk of Bella Vita Aesthetics have donated their time and wax to help raise money via the waxing endeavour.

Demers explains it is quite normal for cyclists to get their legs waxed. On top of being cooler and allowing for reduced friction, he explains cleanly shaved legs allows medics to properly clean wounds when cyclists fall.

Demers explains he has chosen to participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer in salute to his mom, who had had cancer three times, his grandma and grandpa who also both had cancer.

“I love cycling and thought being able to integrate my passion with a good cause would be a great idea,” says Demers. “It made sense for me to do the ride for cancer in honour of my family.”

He is hoping to raise upwards of $1,000 for cancer through this fundraiser.

“The first person who donates $100 or more can give me their loved one’s name who has suffered or lost their battle with cancer,” says Demers. “On the ride I will stop and use spray chalk to write the person’s name, take a picture of their name and send it framed back to the person who donated.”

Originally from the region, (Demers lived in Tangent, Falher, Jean Cote) he now lives in Edmonton and works as a fundraising consultant. Demers says he’s excited to come home and visit his family still in the region.

“I think this event will be fun and will encourage people to donate,” he says. “It’s definitely something unique that you don’t always see.”

June 21

In honour of Father’s Day, Demers will also be hosting a picnic and fundraiser at Tangent Park.

Demers is hoping people will bring the whole family for a picnic to celebrate Father’s Day.

He will be accepting donations all day at the park.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a unique, two-day cycling journey that will take place in Alberta on June 27-28, 2009. Participants will ride through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery from Calgary south along the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22), camp on Saturday night at the Bar U Ranch in the shadow of the Rockies, then finish riding on Sunday at the Sierra West Ranch, nestled at the base of the majestic Livingstone Mountain Range in southwestern Alberta.

This is the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer from Calgary.

The ride starts with a ceremony to remember those lost to cancer, and to honour those fighting on. Opening Ceremonies is a time to reflect on participant’s reason for riding and celebrate the amazing accomplishment they’ve already achieved. After the ceremonies, participants will depart with thousands of their fellow riders.

Demers will be at the Falher Honey Festival on June 20 at the Falher Regional Recreation Complex at 4:30 p.m.

If you would like to donate money prior to the wax, you can get forms at Bella Vita Aesthetics located east of Co-op across from Ste. Anne Catholic Church.

You can also donate via Internet at conquercancer.ca. Click on donate then enter Jason Demers with his participant number 631511–3.

For more information on the run or to register for the 2009 Ride to Conquer Cancer, visit conquercancer.ca or call 888-624-2453.

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