The Prostate Cancer Centre raised over $2,000 for prostate cancer research on Sunday

Men over the age of 40 at Sunday's Okotoks Dawgs game did their part in helping to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.

As part of the Father's Day festivities, the Prostate Cancer Centre's Man Van was parked at Seaman Stadium, collecting donations and giving free baseline PSA blood tests to men in attendance.

A total of 59 men signed up to take the test, while over $2,000 was raised by fans in attendance at Sunday's game.

Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives for the Prostate Cancer Centre Linda MacNaughton says the support from the Dawgs fans was greatly appreciated.

"It was pretty awesome, we just passed around some ice cream buckets and came off with over $2,000, which really helps to off-set the costs of the Man Van," MacNaughton says. "So, we just wanted to say it was really fun, it's pretty nice when everyone is yelling, 'Come over here and take our money!' So all in all, it was a great turnout."

Of the 59 men that took the PSA tests, at least half were taking the tests for the first time ever.

MacNaughton says along with the PSA tests, there were other men's health services available on Sunday.

"We did blood pressure [tests], BMIs, and blood sugar level [tests]," she says. "So, it was awesome because we had 35 extra guys that took advantage of the extra testing, and that will just be hopefully, a healthier outcome for them when they get all of those results."

One of the perks about the Man Van is that it travels across Southern Alberta to different events, so these men don't have to take a trip to the doctor's office to have their baseline PSA read.

MacNaughton says the money raised will go towards a select few programs in the Foothills.

"It stays in Southern Alberta, and we use it only to test, and then treat any people that are found with prostate cancer here in Calgary," she says. "That's pretty exciting for us, because just having a local group support a local initiative is exactly the way we like to see dollars being spent. And it just ensures that we will be around tomorrow."

For more information on the Man Van's next appearances in the Foothills, you can visit getchecked.ca.