About Us


Founded in 2005 following the Dustin family's first (of three) personal experiences with a breast cancer diagnosis, treatments and survival, Harness the Hope is a fundraising initiative that organizes events and initiatives to benefit causes that enable breast cancer research, awareness and support services for cancer warriors and survivors.

Pioneered by the Dustin Family, the organization is entirely volunteer driven with a dedicated committee and team of volunteers with roots that run deep within the harness racing community and an ongoing commitment from The Raceway at Western Fair District in London, Ontario as the host venue since the inception of Harness the Hope.

All event proceeds are directly donated to various cancer organizations that provides direct support programs for young women faced with a cancer diagnosis and that provide much needed awareness, research, earlier detection and improved treatments for those directly affected by or who may face breast cancer in their lifetime.

You will find Harness the Hope events at various harness racetracks in Ontario and even across Canada throughout each year. In 2019, Harness the Hope crossed provinces to reach the hearts of those in PEI, where its inaugural fundraiser launched in Charlottetown at Red Shores. 2023 marks a special expansion as Nova Scotia harness tracks have joined in the fight against cancer with Harness the Hope. All three racetracks, Truro, Inverness and Northside Downs are hosting events with the common goal of fundraising for those facing cancer in the province of Nova Scotia.

For a list of our upcoming events at many racetracks across the nation,
visit our EVENTS page. 

Ontario Team

Harness the Hope Ontario is 100% volunteer driven and we recognize the following people for their dedication, commitment and passion in making a difference for those affected by cancer.

Doreen Dustin

Co-Founder, Two-time Survivor & Volunteer Team Leader

Kristine Dustin

Co-Founder & Survivor & Volunteer Team Member Leader

Brandi Poels

Co-Founder & Volunteer Team Leader

Jessica Gravelle

Volunteer Team Member

Simone Sammut

Volunteer Team Member

Neil Sammut

Volunteer Team Member

Jen Gough

Volunteer Team Member

Glenna Dustin

Volunteer Team Member

Jade Somers

Volunteer Team Member

Suzanne Ernest

Volunteer Team Member

Jen Pinkerton

Volunteer Team Member

Chris Manders

Volunteer Team Member & Survivor

Jane Belore

Volunteer Team Member & Survivor

Amy Hardy

Volunteer Team Member

Linda Yake

Volunteer Team Member

PEI Team

Harness the Hope PEI is 100% volunteer driven and we recognize the following people for their dedication, commitment and passion in making a difference for those affected by cancer.

Samantha Gallant

Lead Organizer & Volunteer Team Member

Michelle McAulay

Volunteer Team Member

Robyn MacKay

Volunteer Team Member

Charlene Cypher

Volunteer Team Member

Heather MacLean

Volunteer Team Member

Vanessa Perry

Volunteer Team Member

Carol Gallant

Volunteer Team Member

Jennifer Vriends

Volunteer Team Member

Marla Smallwood

Volunteer Team Member

Lynn Wood

Volunteer Team Member

Brooke Cameron

Volunteer Team Member

Faith Gavin

Volunteer Team Member

Tracy Campbell

Volunteer Team Member

Ambyr Campbell

Volunteer Team Member

Nova Scotia Team

Harness the Hope PEI is 100% volunteer driven and we recognize the following people for their dedication, commitment and passion in making a difference for those affected by cancer.

Debbie Francis

Lead Organizer & Volunteer Team Member

Penny Wesley

Volunteer Team Member

Debra Rankin

Volunteer - Northside Downs

Kelly MacEachern

Volunteer - Truro Raceway

Andrea
Rennison

Volunteer Team Member

Meagan MacQuarrie

Lead Organizer / Volunteer - Inverness Raceway

"Follow" us on social media for the latest happenings & news 

Kristy Dustin, co-founder & survivor, speaks to COSA TV on Harness the Hope's 15th anniversary and taking their event virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was a huge success!