The annual Ride for Dad event for the fight against prostate cancer took place Saturday.

The motorcycle parade campaign was created in 2007 and happens across the country. The Avalon leg of the parade has raised over $1.8 million for cancer research in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event kicked off at 10:00 a.m., with bikes leaving Newfoundland Power on Kenmount Road and going through Portugal Cove-St. Phillips.

Prostate cancer survivor and VOCM Cabin Party host Brian O’Connell is the honourary ride captain for the event, a position he’s held for the last number of years since his diagnosis.

He says this year holds a special distinction, as they are honouring the life of the first-ever ride captain for the Avalon Ride for Dad, Charlie Hefford, who passed this year after a 16-year battle with prostate cancer.

He says as part of his funeral service, Hefford wanted his motorcycle buddies to escort him to his resting place, however, that didn’t happen due to the winter and COVID. This year, says O’Connell, they’re granting his final wish and dedicating it to him.

Donations can be made online at ridefordad.ca.