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. For a list of our upcoming events at many racetracks across the nation, visit our EVENTS page.
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!
Ontario Team
Harness the Hope 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
Kristine Dustin
Co-Founder & Survivor
Brandi Poels
Co-Founder
Jessica Gravelle
Committee Member - ON
Simone Sammut
Committee Member - ON
Neil Sammut
Committee Member - ON
Jen Gough
Committee Member - ON
Glenna Dustin
Committee Member - ON
Jade Somers
Committee Member - ON
Suzanne Ernest
Committee Member - ON
Jen Pinkerton
Committee Member - ON
Chris Manders
Committee Member & Survivor - ON
Jane Belore
Committee Member & Survivor - ON
Amy Hardy
Committee Member - ON
Linda Yake
Committee Member - ON
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 PEI
Michelle McAulay
Committee Member - PEI
Robyn MacKay
Committee Member - PEI
Charlene Cypher
Committee Member - PEI
Lori Mayne
Committee Member - PEI
Heather MacLean
Committee Member - PEI
Vanessa Perry
Committee Member - PEI
Carol Gallant
Committee Member - PEI
Jennifer Vriends
Committee Member - PEI
Marla Smallwood
Committee Member - PEI
Lynn Wood
Committee Member - PEI
Brooke Cameron
Committee Member - PEI
Faith Gavin
Committee Member - PEI
Tracy Campbell
Committee Member - PEI
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