Canadian Cancer Society wins first prize in YouTube non-profit video awards

Raw, unscripted short film "Fight" features emotional stories from Canadians

TORONTO, April 12 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society's "Fight" video has won first prize in the "large organization" category of the 4th annual DoGooder Nonprofit Video Awards. Winners were announced on Saturday, April 10 at the 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference in Atlanta. More than 750 videos were submitted to the international contest.

The emotional "Fight" video was filmed in locations across the greater Toronto area, and features cancer patients, survivors and caregivers sharing their experiences facing down cancer. The video was not scripted - participants were given some general direction and the film was pieced together from the footage. View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/CDNCancerSociety.

Far more important than the award itself is the fact that so many more people have now watched the video and been inspired by the Society's message to get involved, fight back and eradicate cancer. The video was spotlighted on YouTube's home page for a full day and, in less than 24 hours, was viewed more than 70,000 times - a six-fold increase over the previous six months.

"Every 3 minutes, another Canadian is faced with fighting cancer," says Canadian Cancer Society president and CEO Peter Goodhand. "This short film gives us a glimpse at the harrowing experiences that cancer patients and their families face, but also shows their courageous and inspirational responses.

"We must beat this disease. Please watch the video, visit our website (www.cancer.ca) and join the fight against cancer in your community by participating in Relay For Life."

    
    About Relay For Life
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Relay For Life is the Canadian Cancer Society's primary fundraising event, involving close to 200,000 participants in hundreds of communities across Canada, raising $50 million last year alone to help eradicate cancer.

Relay For Life is an overnight, non-competitive relay and involves teams of 10 people who take turns walking or running around a track. Teams consist of individuals representing corporations, neighbourhoods, families and friends. They camp out in tents on the grounds of the track, enjoying entertainment, camaraderie and solemn remembrance.

More than just a fundraiser, it is a way to bring together family and friends to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back in the hope of finding a cure.

Please visit the Relay For Life website, form a team and sign up TODAY to join the fight.

    
    About the YouTube DoGooder Nonprofit Video Awards
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Over 750 videos from 4 countries were submitted to this year's awards, almost double the number from last year. A judging panel of experts in nonprofits, marketing, film, media, and technology narrowed the field down to sixteen finalists, of which 4 category winners were selected by YouTube community voters. Over 17,000 votes were cast to determine the winners.The winners each receive a $2,500 grant from the Case Foundation to support their charitable work.

    
    About the Canadian Cancer Society
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The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to fightback.ca to find out how you can help. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888 939-3333.

For further information: Alexa Giorgi, Communications, Canadian Cancer Society, [email protected], [phone]