All-you-can-eat bacon a chance to chow down and raise cash for a good cause

KELOWNA, B.C. – Many outdoor fundraisers require some measure of physical exercise — a three- or five-kilometre run, a brisk walk or perhaps a gruelling bike ride.

And then there’s the Great Canadian Bacon Chase, which is just a chance to eat an unlimited amount of bacon.

“It’s the kind of fundraiser that comes about as a result of a few friends having a few beers and talking about a different sort of way to raise money for a good cause,” organizer Kevin Lavigne said.

About 400 people are expected to participate Sunday, with more than half that number already signed up to raise funds for the Jaycees, a group of young professionals.

Last year, 313 people took part, raising about $6,000 for a homeless shelter called Inn for the Cold.

The registration fee for adults is $25, with reduced rates for others.

It includes a toy pig nose, an “I love bacon” T-shirt and the chance to eat as much bacon as participants can stomach.

The BC Pork Association has donated 350 pounds of bacon, so there will be plenty to go around, Lavigne says.

Participants can choose to just chow down at the recreation centre where the event begins at 9 a.m. Last year, most people also ran a five-kilometre course, stopping every kilometre at a bacon station. (Kelowna Daily Courier)