The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer He can't be missed as his brightly coloured underwear is on display for all to see. Strutting the streets and asking for donations, Cliff Melnick is back and taking names as Captain Underpants. He'll need your name and address, too. Melnick is back at it for the second year raising money for The Underwear Affair_ a walk in Edmonton supporting below the belt cancer on June 16. Not only collecting donations along the way, Melnick is making it clear that awareness needs to be made when it comes to below-the-belt cancers. Going through tri-monthly injections for prostate cancer himself, this real-life superhero is taking action. In the past two months, Melnick has brought in nearly $1,000 _ with the big push just in the last week. Starting today, the Flin Flonner will be on Main St. collecting funds for an entire week. 'It's for my mother and my father, but it's for all those that are fighting and who will fight. It's for everybody,' said Melnick. Captain Underpants was a proud walker in last year's five-kilometre event as he was named the 12th individual fundraiser with just under $4,000. This year, Melnick looks to compete with last year's total. After the passing of his father late last year, Melnick's family chose to ask for donations to the Uncover the Cure website rather than flowers. As he had been cancer himself, the Uncover the Cure site was seen as the most appropriate for donations. It All Counts Now as he personally gathers donations, Melnick said all gifts are welcome, no matter how small. 'It all adds up,' he said. While the average supporter last year gave $20, Melnick says there were some who gave $100 and some who gave $5. His best memory comes from a small family member with a big heart. Melnick's four-year-old nephew took a toonie out of his pocket, which he was saving for ice cream, and handed it to the man dressed in a velvet cape and men's underwear. '...a four-year-old giving up his ice cream,' Melnick said with emotion. Along with his nephew and members of the community, Melnick has this year raised close to $1,000 but hopes to keep going. He hopes not only to walk this year, but for many years to come. 'I would go in a wheelchair if I had to,' he said. 'I plan on going ever year until I can't.' Familiar Face Last year, Melnick met a 16-year-old male who he quickly became friends with. The teenager had just lost his father to cancer and had lost his mother previously. The teen hadn't raised enough money to be a member of the walk, as he needed $300. Melnick felt for the teenager and took donations from his pledge sheet so he could walk. This year, Melnick and his new friend will walk together to help create awareness for below-the-belt cancers. Donations For those looking to made donations, Melnick can be found on Main Street in his underwear attire or contacted at home 687-4135. Pledge sheets are available for donations at Northern Rainbows End, the Hudbay zinc plant, the benefits office at Hudbay, and through former co-worker Jesse Hogarth. Melnick has a few fundraisers as well. He's selling 'hugs.' Scarves with mittens on the end of them are being sold for $15 each. As well, Melnick is selling takeout-coffee covers and raffle tickets on a The Underwear Affair t-shirt and bandana.
