Canadians team up and raise $26.5 million in Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO , Oct. 4 /CNW/ - 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, fundraise 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.
    

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure remains the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in Canada in support of breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to a vision of creating a future without breast cancer. The 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. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $170 million towards innovative research, education and awareness programs. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org

    
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For further information: Victoria Mackinlay, Manager Marketing & Communications, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, [phone] x260, [e-mail]