TORONTO, October 5, 2008 – Still thriving and in its 17th year, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure raised $28.5 million today. The largest, single-day, volunteer-led, national event in support of breast cancer, this year’s Run attracted more than 170,000 Canadians in 55 communities across the country. 

“The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure connects thousands of supporters across the country on one day to truly make a difference for the breast cancer cause,” says Alison J. Youngman, National Board Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  “Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, participants, sponsors and staff, we exceeded our fundraising goal allowing us to continue funding critical breast cancer research.”

With the money raised from the Run, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will continue to support a wide range of initiatives across the breast cancer continuum. Funds raised through this event are directed to high-quality research in all areas of breast cancer including education and prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and post-care support.

The Run is an inspirational, fundraising event that people of all ages and abilities can participate in on their own or as part of a team.  Participants walk or run their choice of one or five kilometres. 

CIBC is celebrating its 12th year as title sponsor of the Run in 2008.  “We are proud of our long-standing role as title sponsor of the Run and to be involved with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  It is tremendous to see the enthusiasm of our 10,000-member strong CIBC team, and of all the participants who come out across the country to support this important cause. CIBC employees have adopted the Run as one of their most strongly supported causes, and we are committed to helping the Foundation create a future without breast cancer” says Sonia Baxendale, Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC Retail Markets. 

Other national sponsors include NYGǺRD, New Balance Canada, McCain Foods (Canada) Ltd, Mars Canada, Running Room Canada Inc., Canpar Transport L.P., Revlon Canada and Ganong Bros. Ltd.

Where the money goes?

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation helps support research both nationally and at the regional level. This includes:

• Providing grants for studies to better understand the environmental, lifestyle and genetic links to breast cancer including why the disease occurs, and how the risk of developing breast cancer might be reduced.
  
• Funding education and awareness programs throughout the country.  Community education grants allow the Foundation’s regional offices to fund local programs that help women to be breast aware. The Foundation’s website (www.cbcf.org) also provides an excellent online resource of breast health information.
  
• Funding projects to develop more effective treatments that respond to individual needs and help improve diagnostic techniques to better support women at the time of diagnosis. This includes promoting participation in breast screening and reducing barriers to screening with the goal of having more eligible women participate in organized screening programs.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

As the leading national volunteer-led organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.  Founded in 1986, the Foundation has regional offices in BC/Yukon, Prairies/NWT, Ontario and the Atlantic Canada as well as a central office in Toronto.  For more information, visit www.cbcf.org.

For more information:
Sandra Clegg
Manager, Corporate Communications
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
416-596-6773 X351
416-997-1342 (Run day)
sclegg@cbcf.org