Hundreds of motorcycle riders gathered in Manitoba communities on Sunday, June 14 for the 25th annual Breast Cancer Pledge Ride, continuing a tradition that has raised more than $1.5 million in support of breast cancer initiatives.
The annual fundraiser, founded by Georgette Paradoski Jhass in 2001, began at the TC Energy Centre in Île-des-Chênes before travelling to Stonewall and Winnipeg Beach. Riders made stops along the route, with the Winnipeg Beach portion drawing a large crowd as the community welcomed participants and showed its support.
Paradoski Jhass, who grew up in St. Andrews, was inspired to launch the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride after taking up motorcycling as a hobby and wanting to do something that would promote and support women. Knowing breast cancer was a prevalent issue, she initially set a goal of raising $10,000 through a one-time pledge ride.
She and fellow participants ended up raising $24,000, and the event has since grown into a major annual fundraiser, raising a total of $1.5 million. Between 300 and 500 motorcycles typically take part each year. The ride even continued virtually during the pandemic.
“Looking back, I am shocked — and humbled — by the support we’ve received and the impact we’ve made over the last 25 years. I can’t believe I have been doing this as long as I have,” she said. “We have always emphasized fun. We want to make sure everybody has a great time and that they are doing the ride for themselves. It’s not my ride — it’s their ride.”
This year’s event marked a significant milestone for organizers, celebrating 25 years of fundraising, awareness and community involvement. Prior to the ride, organizers said fundraising for this year’s event was already nearing $100,000.
Compared with the inaugural ride, Paradoski Jhass said not much has changed other than the number of participants and the amount of donations received. The vision has remained the same: to make an impact in the lives of those touched by breast cancer and to bring communities together.
Over the years, she has heard many stories from individuals affected by breast cancer — stories filled with both triumph and hardship.
The ride has become known for its strong visual display of support, with participants decorating motorcycles, wearing pink and finding creative ways to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Funds raised have supported numerous initiatives, including clinical trials, a mobile mammography unit, a voice-recording system, medical equipment, educational programming and reconstructive services.
Paradoski Jhass has seen the impact of that equipment firsthand. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and was able to use the recording device during an appointment. This came after her mother’s diagnosis who left her appointments unable to share her treatment options with her family because she couldn’t fully remember what her doctor said.
Winnipeg Beach resident Tina Case is a committee member with the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride and serves as the liaison between Winnipeg Beach and the organizing team.
She and her husband first participated in the ride about 12 years ago and decided to become volunteers four years ago after organizers put out a call for help in Winnipeg Beach. She said she plays a prominent role in promoting the ride in town, including organizing silent auctions and coordinating with town staff, local businesses and residents. She described the support she has received from the community as “absolutely amazing.”
“Their support is imperative,” she said. “If Winnipeg Beach didn’t shut down the town, we wouldn’t be able to bring the ride there. Them welcoming us is amazing — their support means everything.”
Case has also been personally affected by breast cancer, with her mother having been diagnosed twice. She ensures she gets a mammogram every year and emphasized the importance of fundraising to support research and diagnostic services.
“It is evident there is a need for fundraising,” she said. “Having raised more than $1.5 million through this ride alone is outstanding. It shows how much fundraising helps when you listen to survivors speak and hear how much CancerCare has helped them. Supporters bring a level of dedication you didn’t know was possible — they know when to step up when there is a need.”
Describing 2026 as the “best year yet” for the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride, organizers said a record-breaking 370 participants took part and the event raised $215,000.
A highlight of the day was sending riders off beneath the Chemo Savvy dragon boat team paddle arch in Île-des-Chênes.
Organizers said the continued success of the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride reflects the dedication of those who participate each year and the ongoing importance of supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
Looking ahead, both Paradoski Jhass and Case hope the ride continues to thrive for years to come.
“If it can continue forever, I would be ecstatic,” Paradoski Jhass said. “It might be a small community ride, but it makes a big impact.”
She encouraged individuals to get regular mammograms, perform monthly self-examinations and speak with their doctor if they have any concerns.
