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By Gary Peckham, The Aurora

They have been involved for just two years and for those two years have been recognized as the top team in the event. They are the United Steelworkers unions in Labrador West and the event is the “Walk a Mile in His Shoes” prostate cancer fundraiser.

The provincial branch of the Canadian Cancer Society holds walks throughout the province each year to raise money for research into prostate cancer as well as raise awareness of the disease.

Last year, Steelworkers local 5795 president George Kean co-ordinated the event in Labrador West and they raised $6,000 and captured the title of top team. This year, Mr. Kean undertook the challenge again and not only were the Steelworkers the top team, but they increased the money they raised by almost $4,000. Mr. Kean said they raised $10,000 this year.

Doreen Spenserof Wabush raised the most as an individual with over $1,000 in pledges collected. In Labrador City, Jim Buffett raised over $800.00.

“We were trying to be the top team again this year,” said Mr. Kean. “We had a student, Jennifer Tucker, hired this year as a coordinator, who did a lot of work. Then there was the Steelworkers in Labrador City and Jim Skinner and his members in Wabush. Together we worked and along with retirees are pleased to have raised double of what the second place team raised,”

Mr. Kean said they were pleased, but not surprised, by their victory again this year. He said the people of Labrador West are known as a very generous group and really supported the walk. He said while they are pleased with the amount of money raised, the fact more people are now aware of the dangers of prostate cancer is very important as well.

“The fact is early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. We are finding that more and more of our members and men in the community, almost on a monthly basis, are getting checked. That is the most important thing, not the money. You are bringing awareness of the disease and hopefully saving lives in the process,” said Mr. Kean.

Yvonne Snow is the revenue development director for the provincial branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. She said they are thrilled, but not surprised, by the results of the fundraising efforts of the Steelworkers unions in Labrador West.

“They are an amazing group and were very determined to keep the title of top team in the “Walk a Mile in His Shoes” campaign. The Cancer Society will be sending them an award for their great work again this year,” she said.