Media Advisory - Join the fight against cancer at Relay For Life in Toronto

TORONTO, June 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Cancer is now the single largest killer in Canada - overtaking heart disease for the first time in 2011. On June 14 hundreds of people will spend 12 hours together at Sunnybrook Park from 7:00 p.m. as part of a global movement against cancer during the 2013 Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life. Throughout the night, teams of up to 15 people take turns walking laps on a track. Each team keeps at least one member on the track at all times while all around them a party is in full swing featuring music, food, and a wide variety of activities including: Zumba, Tug of War, Karaoke and a Dodgeball tournament.

Last year, 678 participants at Relay For Life in central Toronto joined together to raise more than $400,000. Proceeds from this year's event will support Canadian Cancer Society research and community services. The Toronto Central Relay For Life will also support Sunnybrook's Odette Cancer Centre.

In addition to fundraising, Relay For Life is an opportunity to effect social change. Participants will be encouraged to support our ongoing advocacy efforts to ban indoor tanning for youth under 18 by signing a letter that will be sent to their MPP. In 2012, more than 30,000 letters were sent to MPPs on indoor tanning, most of which were signed at Relay For Life events across Ontario.

BROADCAST AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

WHAT	2013 Toronto Central Relay For Life
WHEN	7:00 p.m. June 14 - 7:00 a.m. June 15, 2013 7:00 pm: Opening Ceremony 7:15 pm: Survivors' Victory Lap 10:00 pm: Luminary Ceremony
WHERE	Sunnybrook Park

About Relay For Life
Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings you and your community together to celebrate life and fight cancer. Relay For Life has a festival-like atmosphere that your family, friends and co-workers can enjoy - regardless of age or fitness level. Visit relayforlife.ca to register a team, raise funds as a participant or donate.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
For 75 years, the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. 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 (TTY: 1-866-786-3934).

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

For more information or to book an interview, please contact:

Stephanie Michaelides
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
T: 416-323-7039
E: [email protected]

On site calls on day of event, please contact:
Michael Sheiner
C: 647-534-5596