A Note from the Founder
“Hittin’ for Hooters & Duders was born from a personal journey that changed my life. From 2013 to 2018, I volunteered as an umpire for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Batting Against Breast Cancer slo-pitch fundraiser. Then, in December 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I knew I wanted to continue supporting the cause, but this time, instead of umpiring, I wanted to put together a team and make an even bigger financial impact. When I reached out to the Canadian Cancer Society, I learned they were no longer going to run the fundraiser. That’s when I decided to take it on myself. In September 2019, while I was still going through treatment, we held our very first Hittin’ for Hooters slo-pitch fundraiser.
COVID put the brakes on our event in 2020 and 2021, but we came back in 2022 and continued raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. That year, we learned that our UIC and another umpire in our community were both battling prostate cancer. Since our fundraiser has always been about bringing the slo-pitch community together, it only felt right to make it more inclusive. And so, Hittin’ for Hooters & Duders was born. We held one more slo-pitch fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society in 2023 before choosing the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation as our charity of choice in 2024. Knowing the money we raise stays right here in Manitoba was a huge part of that decision.
In 2026, we took another big step and officially became a nonprofit organization. What started as one person wanting to make a difference has grown into a little community built by four people—Donna, Nedra, Charlie and Mike. Together, we plan, organize, fundraise, laugh, problem-solve and somehow pull all of this together.
H4HD is about so much more than slo-pitch. It’s about community, friendship, giving back and making a difference for people right here at home. Whether you play, volunteer, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, your support helps build a future where cancer is out.”
Charlie Chastelaine
Founder, President & Survivor
Hittin’ for Hooters & Duders
Step Up to the Plate
Hittin’ for Hooters & Duders is more than just a day of softball. It’s a chance to join a community that values, teamwork, and giving back.
Learn more about how to get involved here. We hope to see you on the field!