Local high school hoop officials hope to take bite out of cancer with Pink Whistle campaign

West Kootenay basketball official, Nina Flanagan, shows off a pink whistle used in the BCBOA campaign. — Bruce Fuhr photo

Basketball officials throughout the province are at is again, joining forces to raise money and awareness in the third annual Call a FOUL on Cancer — Pink Whistle campaign.

The annual campaign, which runs through the month of February — strives to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society — B.C. and Yukon Division.

"There's a lot of us in our association that have been dealt the pain cancer can deliver," Don Dozzi, West Kootenay Basketball Officials Secretary/Treasurer said Saturday between games at the LVR Junior Bomber Tournament.

Dozzi and his fellow WKBOA refs joined with members from across the province in purchasing pink whistles for to be used in high school games in February.

The goal is to raise $15,000 from officials and other donations.

Anyone interested in receiving a pink whistle like the ones officials are wearing, may do so by donating online with a minimum donation of $25 and then emailing BCBOAvsCancer@gmail.com with your contact information.  One of the many Association Representatives will provide the whistle.

"As more and more men, women and children are battling this disease each year, we can take pride in knowing that our donations are helping fund researchers at the B.C. Cancer Agency at UBC, fight for public policies to make healthy living possible and providing support in the services the Canadian Cancer Society offers through their programs such as Cancer Information Service, Cancer Connection, Camps, Accommodation and Financial Support," the BCBOA said on its website.

" Please join us as we strive to "Call a Foul on Cancer" this February.