For more than two decades, the Kingston-Quinte Motorcycle Ride for Dad (Presented by Princess Auto) has brought together motorcycle riders, families, survivors and supporters with one shared mission: fight prostate cancer and save lives through awareness, education and research.
This year’s ride, taking place on Saturday May 30, is especially meaningful for organizer Marion Perry, who has dedicated years of her life to the event in honour of her father, who died from prostate cancer.
“If I knew then what I know now about early detection, I might have saved my own dad’s life,” says Marion. “I remember what my siblings and I went through as a family when he passed away. So, if we can get men to listen to us and go get checked for prostate cancer, it makes a difference. Early detection saves lives.”
Marion has been involved with the Ride for Dad since its very first Kingston-Quinte event in 2004 and became a volunteer the following year. Since 2019, she has served as the chapter’s lead organizer, helping grow the event into one of the region’s most successful charity motorcycle rides.
Over the past 22 years, the Kingston-Quinte Ride for Dad has raised an incredible $1.9 million to support prostate cancer research and awareness initiatives.
Money raised helps support local researchers. In 2025, $25,000 from the Ride for Dad was directed to support the work of Queen’s University professor Dr. Katrina Gee and her prostate cancer research.
For Marion, the event is about much more than fundraising. It is also about creating space for men and families to talk openly about prostate cancer and the importance of screening.
“Prostate cancer affects everybody,” she says. “People share stories about loved ones they’ve lost or battles they’ve gone through. It brings us closer together.”
One moment that has stayed with Marion involved a man who personally delivered a donation to her home after surviving prostate cancer because it was caught early.
“We all cried together at our kitchen table,” she recalls. “He told me he had never shared his story with anyone outside his family before. That’s why this matters. We’re helping people talk about it.”
Marion says seeing the impact of the event over the years continues to inspire her.
“It warms my whole heart,” she says. “I’m very proud to be part of Ride for Dad.
The Kingston-Quinte Ride for Dad takes place on Saturday, May 30, starting at Cataraqui Arena on Sunnyside Road. Organizers are encouraging riders and community members to get involved, raise awareness and help fund life-saving prostate cancer research.
For registration details and event information, visit the Kingston-Quinte Motorcyle Ride for Dad website.