The Clean Air Solutions Orsi Court Street Party, to benefit the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, will take place Sat., July 26.

Ken Preston, owner of Clean Air Solutions, started the annual barbecue four years ago as his way of helping bring the cancer treatment centre closer to home.

“My cousin Julie died of cancer. She had to drive back and forth to Sunnybrook in Toronto,” he said. “I saw the wear and tear the chemo had on her, never mind the stress of having to drive down to Toronto on top of it.”

Preston said although the barbecue doesn’t raise a huge amount of money, every penny helps.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or another,” he said. “A local cancer centre is integral to this community.”

The barbecue will feature jumping castles, a dunk tank, food and an appearance by a Toronto Argonaut player.

There will be a raffle featuring a number of great prizes including signed Toronto Argo footballs and jerseys and a special Out of the Dog House package which includes maid service, spa treatments as well as restaurant and movie gift cards.

“Each prize will have its own raffle box, so you only have to enter to win the things you want,” Preston said.

A raffle will also be held at the barbecue to benefit Megan Whitwam, a local 10-year-old who is battling a rare form of cancer.

“A group of us - myself, Stan from Sinton Transportation, Jeff from the Argos and photographer Nat Caron - recently helped make Megan Captain Kid at the Argos’ game. We all just want to keep helping her and her family get through this,” Preston said.

The barbecue will take place at 5 Orsi Court between noon and 5 p.m.