Scrum in the Square

Rugby Canada teams up with Prostate Cancer Canada to raise awareness

By Kari DeLouw August 2, 2011

The charity event, Scrum in the Square, brought people out into the record high heat on July 21st into the streets of Toronto to watch some lively and good-natured competition between several teams as they matched themselves up against the Scrum Machine (which looks like a traditional football blocking sled) with all proceeds being donated to Prostate Cancer Canada.

Each team consisted of three players and one alternate who competed to test their strength. Each team had three chances to test their strength and the winners consisted of whoever had the strongest push against the legendary SCRUMaster.

The event took place in Yonge and Dundas Square between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m, a time chosen to raise more awareness by attracting those who work in the area to enjoy the performance on their lunch hours. Another exciting benefit to watching this event was the opportunity to meet Justin Trudeau, Quebec Liberal MP and rugby fan.

Each corporate team donated a minimum of $250 to the cause and club teams donated a minimum of $100. Each team was also encouraged to collect additional donations with a prize being awarded to the team who raised the most funds.

The sense of fun was certainly in the air, including the teams who were awarded extra prizes for most creative uniform and team name. With so many teams showing up to donate their time, athletic ability and resources to the event it was certainly a success!

The presence of Justin Trudeau and many members of the Canadian World Cup team led to national media coverage from CityTV, the Globe and Mail, as well as Macleans magazine.

Doug Crosse, manager of communications for Rugby Canada, recognised the importance of this charity event as well. “Scrum in the Square was a great first year fundraising event on a number of fronts. We were looking to engage the corporate community along with having the downtown location -- and all to promote a message of community service and also promotion of the USA vs Canada game."

Crosse added that the visit from Trudeau as well as the visibility in the mainstream media outlets "made this a win all the way around."

The donations will help Prostate Cancer Canada in their continued research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer as well as the development of awareness programs, public education and advocacy such as this event displayed. Prostate cancer is still the number one most common cancer in Canadian men, affecting one in seven. Over 25,000 men in our country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. However, over 90 percent of these cases are curable if detected and treated at their early stages which are why annual check-ups are so important.