Canadians celebrate Father's Day and the men they love

Local communities lace up their shoes for Prostate Cancer Canada's annual Father's Day Walk/Run

TORONTO, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Families across Canada will come together this weekend to celebrate the men they love at Prostate Cancer Canada's Safeway Father's Day Walk/Run. This annual event, sponsored by Canada Safeway, will see residents in 15 cities across the country lace up their running shoes to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.

In addition to the Walk/Run, family activities will also be taking place, making it a fun affair for everyone and a special way to celebrate Father's Day.

"We at Prostate Cancer Canada, along with the thousands of prostate cancer survivors across the country are grateful to Canada Safeway Limited for helping raise awareness of prostate cancer, the most common cancer to affect Canadian men," said Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada. "Safeway's management and staff have supported the Father's Day Walk/Run across western Canada for many years, raising millions of dollars to support investment in lifesaving research - research which will one day lead to a cure."

In addition to supporting the Walk/Run, all Safeway stores across North America are dedicating the month of June to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer. More than $72 million has been raised by Safeway stores in the past decade, making a tremendous impact on the prostate cancer cause.

"Safeway is committed to funding research that will lead to a cure for prostate cancer," said Chuck Mulvenna, President and COO of Canada Safeway. "Our unique ability to reach millions of shoppers each week not only allows us the opportunity to raise money for research, but to also share the message about the importance of early detection and treatment."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men. One in seven men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime and one in 28 will die of it. Funds raised during the Father's Day Walk/Run will support research that will ultimately find a cure, uncover better diagnostic and treatment options and provide support services for those living with prostate cancer.

For more information about this year's event, please visit fathersdayrun.ca

About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.  For more information visit prostatecancer.ca

Rebecca von Goetz, Prostate Cancer Canada
(t) 416-441-2131 ext. 258
Event Day - [phone]
[email protected]

Caroline De Silva, Argyle Communications
(t) 416-968-7311 ext. 231
Event Day - [phone]
[email protected]

Betty Kellsey, Canada Safeway Limited
(t) 403-730-3511
[email protected]