Rush fans help cancer foundation

Fans of iconic Canadian rock band Rush recently enjoyed some unique opportunities to own a piece of the band’s history and help cancer research.

In exchange for a small donation, fans posed for pictures behind legendary drummer Neil Peart’s one-of-a-kind, Collector’s Series Drum Workshop (DW) hockey-themed drumset on selected dates of the band’s R40 Live Anniversary Tour. 

In addition, they were able to bid on museum-worthy, autographed memorabilia on eBay Rush, including a Sabian Paragon cymbal and a limited edition, DW R40 Icon Snare – both of which were autographed by Rush. 

Donations from the hockey kit photo opportunities and the auction items raised a total of $25,547.28 (Canadian) to benefit Rush drummer Neil Peart’s charity of choice, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto. 

Additional sponsors included The Sports Network (TSN) and Hockey Hall of Fame. 

“These fundraising efforts, which included the creativity and hardwork of several companies in order to bring to fruition – were very important to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Not only did they bring a substantial amount of funding for Cancer Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, but It took our vision of conquering cancer in our lifetime to thousands of Rush fans. Sincere thanks to all those involved with the creation and execution of this promotion, and to all the Rush fans who contributed to our work by getting a great souvenir photo, or by bidding on the items. Special thanks to Neil Peart and his bandmates for their extreme generosity, “ said Kevin Shea, director of PR at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.