$26.5 Million Raised for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Introduction

Main Item

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure raised $26.5 million today to support the vision of creating a future without breast cancer. Now in its 18th year, the Run is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led, national event in support of breast cancer research. This year's Run attracted more than 170,000 Canadians in over 56 communities across the country. Special Run guest participants including Joe and Nick of the Jonas Brothers added some excitement to this inspirational day.

"We are so grateful for the support of Canadians who create teams, participate as individuals, fund-raise and donate for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Thanks to this support, the Run continues to make a difference and the funds raised will be put towards innovative research and awareness initiatives in communities across Canada," says Cheryl Hodder, Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation National Board.

With the money raised from the Run, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will continue to support a wide range of programs 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.

In 2009, for the 13th year, CIBC participated in the Run as the title sponsor. Team CIBC included 13,000 participants nationally - truly a team effort for a cause that is close to their hearts.

"CIBC is proud to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in their work to fund breast cancer research, education and awareness," says Sonia Baxendale, Senior Executive Vice President, Retail Markets, CIBC. "Our Team CIBC is very proud to be involved in this event as thousands of CIBC employees join Canadians in more than 50 communities to participate in one of the most successful fundraising events of the year."

Other national sponsors include, New Balance Canada, Running Room Canada Inc., Canpar Transport L.P., Mars Canada and Revlon Canada.

Key areas of Funding

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.

The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation raises nearly $2 million during the CIBC Run for the Cure

Over 26 500 runners and walkers gathered simultaneously in Maisonneuve Park in Montreal and on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, helping the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation raise nearly $2 million in donations. This amount will continue to increase until the end of the year with more upcoming donations to be made and will help fund breast cancer research, promote breast health by education and awareness, and support people touched by the disease.

In Montreal, over 20 000 runners and walkers helped collect nearly $1 650 000. Many public personalities attended the event, such as Mitsou Gelinas, the Foundation's sponsor for 4 years, Marina Orsini and Mark Bergman, hosts of the day, while singers Amylie, Mariea Janvier, Annie Blanchard, Marie-Pier Perreault and percussionist Charlie K each performed for the participants.

In Quebec City, the event, hosted by Joanne Boivin, was also a great success with 6 500 runners and walkers. The city's mayor, Mr. Regis Labeaume, took the opportunity to salute the brave participants who helped raise $311 000.

It is under a banner of hope and optimism that was held, in 56 cities across the country, the 2009 edition of the CIBC Run for the Cure. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, is proud to see its most important fundraising activity mobilize so many people. "Thanks to the participation of thousands of Quebecers, we can hope for a future without breast cancer. Such an expression of solidarity reminds us that we are not alone facing this disease," said Suzanne Lebreux, executive director of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

About the Foundation

The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to finance breast cancer research, to promote breast health by education and awareness, and to support people touched by breast cancer. Visit www.rubanrose.org for more information.