Karn Dhillon’s Pink Whistle Legacy Fund campaign, which he started 16 years ago in memory of his sister, nephew, and a fellow basketball referee who all lost their lives to cancer, continues to grow with new initiatives and partnerships aimed at raising funds for cancer research and patient support.
Initially, Dhillon and his team began their fundraising efforts by selling pink referee whistles. Over time, they added more “layers” to the campaign, such as pink lanyards and, eventually, pink and black-striped shirts worn by basketball referees across B.C. and Alberta. These visual efforts helped build awareness for the BC Cancer Foundation and its mission to support cancer research and patients.
In 2024, the campaign gained even more momentum thanks to a partnership with Four Winds Brewing in Delta and Parkside Brewing in Port Moody, co-owned by basketball player Sam Payne. The two breweries produced a limited-edition pink pale ale to support the cause, raising funds while also attracting new supporters.
This year, the Pink Whistle campaign continues to evolve with the release of a new limited-edition beer—a Cherry Berliner Weisse brewed with cherries and Himalayan pink salt, featuring a sour twist. The beer will be available at Four Winds, Parkside, and local eateries through February 28, with $4 from every four-pack sold donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. This year’s goal is to raise $300,000 for cancer research.
For those who don’t drink beer but want to contribute, donations can be made directly on the BC Cancer Foundation’s website.
In addition to the beer promotion, Dhillon and his team will be engaging with the community. On Sunday, February 9, they will be at Parkside Brewery to promote the cause, and Dhillon will also be at New Westminster Secondary on February 11 during a 7 p.m. basketball game to raise awareness for Pink Whistle.
“We try to make the campaign fun,” Dhillon said, emphasizing the involvement of the entire basketball community. “You can ‘Come Wet Your Whistle’ with this beer and ‘Call a Foul on Cancer.’ It’s a way to unite people, from refs to players, with a common goal to fight cancer.”
Last year’s small batch of beer raised $1,300 for the campaign. This year, Dhillon is dedicating the 16th annual drive to the memory of his niece and sister-in-law, who both passed away from cancer in the last 18 months. He finds solace in discussing his losses with others who have gone through similar struggles.
“It’s very therapeutic because you find people who have also gone through a cancer journey,” Dhillon said. “It’s a silver lining that reminds us to keep doing this. I’m incredibly proud of the basketball community for rallying behind this cause.”
In support of the campaign, Four Winds and Parkside Brewing are also running a contest this month, offering a $700 gift card prize. To enter, participants must follow the breweries on Instagram, like the contest post, tag three friends, and share the post. Contestants must be at least 19 years old to participate.
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