OTTAWA, March 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Following last year's announcement of a five year, $1 million fundraising goal, Nokia today announced that its Ottawa-based campus and the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation (CTCACF) have expanded their partnership. With this expansion, Nokia will power all Ottawa-region Inside Ride cycling events for Candlelighters Ottawa - a grassroots charity that supports young cancer patients and their families in the Ottawa area.
Families of children with cancer face overwhelming challenges which affect their lives forever. To help families cope, Candlelighters provides support through programs such as CyberKids, Financial Support and the Smiling Siblings Program. Each addresses the unique needs of young cancer patients and provides families with real, tangible services which have a positive impact in their lives.
"Candlelighters is very proud to be in this partnership with Nokia and CTCACF. As a grassroots organization here in the National Capital Region, this partnership has provided a sustainable source of funds to ensure the ongoing delivery of our programs, and it allows us to look to the future and explore new programs that will continue to meet the needs of our member families. Thanks to the Inside Ride events, we've expanded many of our programs, including CyberKids so every newly diagnosed child is given a tablet or laptop computer, and Sibling Support to engage a greater number of kids to participate in a wider variety of activities. Our Youth Survivor Initiative is also gaining new members each month and we are poised to add further initiatives to those experiencing significant challenges in the off-treatment stage of their childhood cancer journey," said Jocelyn Lamont, executive director for Candlelighters Ottawa.
2016 marked the first year of the new fundraising goal where over $168,000 was raised for Candlelighters Ottawa, bringing the total Nokia Ottawa has raised for kids fighting cancer to over $535,000. Thanks to the participation of several companies, government, professional sports organizations and the inclusion of four local high school events, last year's fundraising was the most successful to date. This year is Nokia's 10th Annual Inside Ride and Nokia is hoping to attract 100 teams for the event, which will take place in the company's parking lot under a large tent on May 10, 2017.
"I'm really honored to be part of the Nokia Campus in Kanata and the huge employee effort that makes such a positive impact on the children and their families in the Ottawa region who are coping with childhood cancer," said Tom Brewer, Inside Ride Event co-coordinator, Nokia Ottawa.
The overall campaign will kick off on April 5, 2017, and will involve a series of fundraising events including the Inside Ride, car show and a ball hockey tournament. Historically, volunteers from the company have driven all initiatives, while strong employee participation has helped make each event a huge success. Every dollar raised from their fundraising efforts goes towards Candlelighters.
"The Inside Ride is a tool that enables us to provide a sustainable source of funding for grassroots organizations like Candlelighters, allowing them to concentrate on delivering critical programs for kids and families. Our 100% model is unique and it is with gratitude to partners like Nokia and other corporations that we have been able to raise over $44 million for kids' cancer in Canada since 2003," said Jenn Davies, Inside Ride event manager for Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.
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For media inquiries, or if you would like to attend the Inside Ride: Sarah Miller, Nokia Communications, Email: [email protected], mobile: 613-720-9716, Email: [email protected]
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