06.10.2014

More pink booms in Canada

With October being breast cancer awareness month Quebec, Canada, based Location Blais has painted a 45ft JLG 450AJ articulated boom pink in order to raise funds and celebrate its 40th anniversary. Last week Skyjack unveiled its campaign with two pink booms.

“It’s something we’ve thought about for a couple years,” said Serge Blais, Junior, owner of the company, founded in 1974 by his grandfather, Robert Blais. “Our 40th anniversary gave us the push to do it – a way to draw attention to a need in our community and say thank you for helping us build a successful business here.”

Location Blais is located in the small mining town of Rouyn-Noranda, approximately 700 kilometres north of Montreal and Toronto. The local hospital does not have a radiology department, so for those in the area who suffer from cancer, this often means driving to Montreal for treatment.

“And we’re not talking about a day trip,” explained Blais. “Often, patients need to stay as long as six weeks while they undergo treatment. This means being away from family, friends, co-workers and the community, all of which are so often critical to a patient’s recovery.”

Blais has personal experience of this, his mother - Denise Racette - recently underwent treatment for breast cancer and spent long periods of time away from her family. In addition, both of his grandmothers and an aunt suffered from the disease.
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With the pink machine,(L-R) Christina Bolduc, Denise Racette with son Serge Blais, Jr., Marc Blais and Olivier Gauthier of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Quebec Division.

“So often people don’t know why the machine is painted pink, so I’m hoping this causes them to stop and ask,” he said. “They need to learn about the disease and understand its impact on families and the community. We are hoping this will encourage leaders in our community to push for the addition of a radiologist so that patients can remain closer to home while they undergo treatment.”

By the end of next summer, the company plans to have three more pieces of equipment painted pink to generate further funds.

“It is important to my family,” adds Blais. “But it’s just as important to the community that has supported us for 40 years. This is our way of giving back.”

Also see: Skyjack kicks off breast awareness week.