Run Today to Save Lives Tomorrow: The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure Returns on October 6

Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer among women in Canada. Join your community this October to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and support programs. 

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC invite people in Canada to come together and make a difference for those impacted by breast cancer at the 33rd annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada's largest single-day, volunteer-led initiative in support of the breast cancer cause, taking place in 53 communities across the country. Over the last three decades, the event has raised vital funds for world-leading research and support programs that make a real, lasting difference for people experiencing breast cancer.

"Breast cancer affects all of us. On average, 84 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day," says Laurie Benner, Interim Vice President of Signature Programs, Canadian Cancer Society. "We know life-changing progress is possible when we work together. At the CIBC Run for the Cure, families, coworkers and communities across Canada play a powerful role in helping people experiencing breast cancer live longer, fuller lives."

In 2023, 50,000 Canadians came together to participate in the Run, raising $14.5 million for promising research on the cancer continuum including prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as a national compassionate support system. The Canadian Cancer Society's support programs include travel to treatment, accommodation, free wig services, a toll-free helpline and reliable cancer information.

"Raising over $62 million to date for breast cancer research and support programs through the Run over the last 33 years, CIBC has helped Canadian Cancer Society change the landscape of breast cancer in Canada and we look forward to continuing to make an impact this year," says Anna Goncalves, Senior Vice-President, HR Advisory, Workforce Transformation & Leadership, CIBC. "Team CIBC includes thousands of passionate team members, friends, family, and clients who donate, fundraise, and participate in the Run each year from coast-to-coast-to-coast to demonstrate their commitment to the breast cancer cause."

Run Day is an impactful and moving opportunity for those living with breast cancer, supporters, and those who have lost loved ones to come together at a vibrant event with one important shared goal - to change the future of breast cancer.

"I have proudly participated in the Run for about 20 years, and every year I feel like I'm doing my part. It feels more meaningful now than ever," says Coral Swaby, a CIBC team member who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. "It's a powerful reminder that there is a community of people behind me – and every Canadian impacted by breast cancer."

The Run is a major contributor to breast cancer research in Canada. Over the last 5 years, CCS has invested $61.4 million in breast cancer research projects and support programs nationwide. Today, the 5-year breast cancer survival rate continues to improve with 89% of women and 82% of men surviving at least five years past their diagnosis. Since its peak in 1986, the breast cancer death rate in women has been nearly cut in half.

The 33^rd annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is open to everyone. Participants can register to run or walk a 5-kilometre or 1-kilometre route at 53 Run sites across the country. Visit cibcrunforthecure.com to register or donate today.

Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society and CIBC are available for interviews upon request. 

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.

About the CIBC Partnership
In 1997, the trailblazing partnership between the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (now the Canadian Cancer Society) and CIBC began. This year marks CIBC's 28th year as title sponsor of the Run. Through CIBC's unwavering support over the past 28 years, CIBC and its employees have helped grow the CIBC Run for the Cure into the largest single-day event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer in Canada. To date, Team CIBC has raised over $62 million for breast cancer research, treatment, education and support programs. In 2023, over 11,000 Team CIBC members volunteered, walked, ran and raised over $2.4 million. United together by One For Change, Team CIBC supports its communities year-round through fundraising, donating and volunteering. 

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

For further information, photo and video assets or to schedule an interview, please contact: Stacey Young, Consultant, Hill & Knowlton, [email protected], 236 868 6501