Goal is to raise a record $600,000 for the fight against cancer
MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Lachine Canal will be filled with colourful dragon boats this weekend as cancer survivors and their supporters make waves and raise money for cancer support programs in Montreal as part of the 7th Annual Cedars CanSupport "Rain or Shine" Dragon Boat Race and Festival presented by Fuller Landau.
The event takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Due to low water levels in the Lachine Canal, the event has moved to a bigger and better location for 2012, taking place at Parc René-Lévesque in Lachine (398 Chemin du Canal) for the first time in its seven-year history.
"We've been looking forward to this event all year," said Michael Newton, managing partner of Fuller Landau, the lead sponsor, which is also fielding two boats. "We are committed to this fundraiser because we know the health of friends and family is irreplaceable, and we see the need for companies like ours to invest in cancer care in the community."
This year's goal is to raise more than $600,000 to allow the CanSupport program of the Cedars Cancer Institute to continue to provide free psychosocial, practical and humanitarian assistance for cancer patients and their families. Founded in 2006, the event has raised more than $2.2 million to date.
At least 40 colourful dragon boats will take to the Lachine Canal, propelled by more than 800 participants, some coming from as far away as Ottawa, Ontario and Harrington, Quebec. Entering a dragon boat in the fun-filled fundraiser requires a donation of $10,000 and there are still two spots left.
"A $500 commitment per participant on a 20-person boat is what it takes to join the fun and make a difference in the lives of many," said Gwen Andrews Nacos, director and founder of Cedars CanSupport. "Many Canadians are facing a personal trial related to cancer. Saying yes to a day of fun, camaraderie and healthy competition is an easy and rewarding choice for participants, myself included."
"For the past four years this Dragon Boat Race and Festival has been so close to my heart," said Canadian Olympic Diving Medalist Alexandre Despatie, who joins the list of professional athletes who have supported the event over the years. "I invite everyone to come out for a day of paddling and fun, and join me in our fundraising efforts. Together we can make a huge difference for all those patients battling cancer today!"
Montreal Alouettes star quarterback Anthony Calvillo and wife Alexia have also committed to supporting the fundraiser. Alexia Calvillo and Alexandre Despatie will be onsite to meet participants and sign autographs. Other onsite activities include music, food stations, children's activities, a wellness area with massages, and live entertainment. The symbolic highlight of the event will be a special carnation ceremony to pay tribute to all cancer patients, followed by a moment of silence honoring all those who have succumbed to cancer.
Fuller Landau has been the presenting sponsor of the CanSupport Dragon Boat Race & Festival since 2008 and has some 40 employees participating in the 2012 event.
About the Cedars Cancer Institute
The Cedars Cancer Institute is a hospital-based charity whose mission is to provide comprehensive cancer care for all cancer patients - pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA), adults and those in palliative care - who are being treated at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). The Cedars Cancer Institute fulfills this mission by providing much-needed funds to:
- Purchase state-of-the-art diagnostic oncology equipment
- Improve facilities for the treatment and care of cancer patients. Accomplishments include the creation of the Cedars Breast Clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital, renovations to Sarah's Floor - the hematology/oncology division at the Montreal Children's Hospital, renovations to the Palliative Care Unit at the Montreal General Hospital, and much more
- Run the Cedars CanSupport program, which offers free psychosocial, practical and humanitarian assistance to cancer patients and their families, as well as financial assistance through the Wilfrid Howick Humanitarian Endowment Fund
- Support cancer research through the Henry R. Shibata Fellowship Award
- Provide annual visiting professorships in oncology that bring world-renowned researchers, educators and physicians to the McGill teaching hospitals - the Vivian Saykaly Visiting Professorship in Medical Oncology and the Edward J. Tabah Visiting Professorship in Surgical Oncology
- Improve awareness of cancer-related issues through free public lectures and educational programs
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and The Best Care for Life Campaign
One of the world's foremost academic health centres, the MUHC offers exceptional and integrated patient-centric care, research, teaching and technology assessment. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, it is highly committed to the continuum of care in its community. The partner hospitals of the MUHC—the Lachine Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute, the Montreal General Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Children's Hospital— value multidisciplinary service throughout the lifespan, innovative technologies and practices, strategic partnerships and leadership in knowledge transfer. The MUHC is currently carrying out a $2.35-billion Redevelopment Project on three sites—the Glen, and the Montreal General and Lachine hospitals—designed to provide healthcare professionals with an effective environment in which to ensure patients and their families benefit from The Best Care for Life. The sites are also anchored in best sustainable-development practices, including LEED® and BOMA BESt guidelines www.muhc.ca muhc.ca/construction
The Best Care for Life Campaign is an unprecedented philanthropic effort aimed at raising the funds needed to complete the McGill University Health Centre's Redevelopment Project as well as the Capital Development Plan. muhc.ca/cause
About Fuller Landau LLP
With their motto of "Work hard, play hard and have fun," the professionals at Fuller Landau LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants and Business Advisors, are a blend of young, dynamic partners and seasoned consultants working to improve the net worth of current and future clients. Praised by Canadian Business Magazine and Maclean's Magazine for its service offering and work environment, Fuller Landau LLP provides a full range of financial services. The firm, founded in 1963, has more than 100 employees and is guided by its eight core principles: excellence, confidence, innovation, passion, leadership, creativity, team spirit, and empathy. Fuller Landau LLP is a member of the Leading Edge Alliance
(www.leadingedgealliance.com), an international network of independently owned professional accounting and consulting firms. To learn more about Fuller Landau LLP, visit www.flmontreal.com.
SOURCE: FULLER LANDAU
Valérie Marcoux / Pascale LeBlanc
Torchia Communications
514 288-8290, poste 214 / poste 216
[email protected] / [email protected]
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