Powell River’s favourite lion will be hitting the streets to raise money for a cancer fundraiser and is looking for community support.
Rocco, Powell River Kings’ mascot, will tour the city during the first Rocco Walk-O on Saturday, June 7, collecting pledges and donations to make a large lump-sum gift to a local cancer fundraiser later in the summer.
For the Walk-O, the mascot is planning a 20-kilometre walk around the city. All money he raises will go toward the Sunset Stroll, a fundraising event to raise money for the oncology department at Powell River General Hospital (PRGH).
Alex Rawnsley, Kings’ play-by-play announcer, visited the Peak to speak for the mute mascot.
“I think this is an amazing event,” said Rawnsley. He is encouraging people to support Rocco because despite going through so much difficulty “off the ice,” he is pushing forward with this community event.
Kings fans know that Rocco’s lioness has been struggling with stage four cancer, said Rawnsley.
The walk will start and finish in the First Credit Union parking lot. It will begin at about 8 am and take him along Joyce Avenue to Grief Point. He’ll then walk down Marine Avenue and head toward Townsite. He’ll turn right on Ash Avenue and go past the Patricia Theatre up to Lombardy Avenue. When he hits Manson Avenue, he’ll turn right and walk back to Joyce. Rawnsley said the mascot is planning to do a lap around Powell River Recreation Complex and one around the hospital, too.
The idea is for people to pledge a dollar or two a kilometre or donate a set amount to support his walk, said Rawnsley. In August, with all the money collected but the total secret, Rocco will make a donation to support the Sunset Stroll, he added.
Supporters are also being encouraged to walk with Rocco during his tour of Powell River and even stand on the side of the road and cheer.
“It would all be appreciated,” said Rawnsley.
Rocco will have a support car on the walk with him to provide water because walking that distance in a full suit will nevertheless be hot, said Rawnsley. Weather is one of the primary reasons why Rocco is undertaking his walk in June, Rawnsley added.
“It’s hopefully significantly cooler at the start of June than it is in August,” he said, adding that he also thought that Rocco having his own event would make sure all attention was focused on making the Sunset Stroll later in the summer a success.
He added that Rocco thinks it would be “a phenomenal response” if he could raise between $10,000 and $20,000.
Pledge forms can be picked up at Jay’s Café, Capone’s Cellar, the Kings’ office at the recreation complex or online.
For more information and updates on where Rocco will be during his walk, readers can visit the event’s Facebook page by searching for The 1st Rocco Walk-O.
