The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces $19,033,000 million raised as 8th annual Ride commences in Ontario
Canada's largest cycling fundraiser draws 4,853 riders in support of Personalized Cancer Medicine at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.
TORONTO, June 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 4,853 riders raised $19,033,000 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation as the eighth annual Ride commenced in Ontario on Saturday. Funds raised through Canada's largest cycling fundraiser support Personalized Cancer Medicine, the new gold standard in cancer care, at The Princess Margaret, across Ontario, and around the world.
"The Ride is a true testament to strength in numbers and we are so grateful of the incredible community of riders, sponsors, donors, crew members and volunteers for making our eighth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer an overwhelming success," said Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
"Forty percent of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. As one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, The Princess Margaret is determined to continue asking the question that is at the basis of all research: 'why?' Why is in our DNA at The Princess Margaret. It is our mission to conquer cancer in our lifetime, and the vital $19,033,000 million raised will help The Princess Margaret lead the way in Personalized Cancer Medicine," Alofs added.
In eight years, The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raised over $138 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and over $281 million for cancer research, treatment, education and care programs across the country. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise in order to participate in the two-day, 200-kilometre Ride between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
"I am participating in The Ride to Conquer Cancer on behalf of my best friend Sarah who died of adrenal gland cancer when she was only 19-years-old," said Caitlin Rosenbaum, a first-year participant from Toronto.
"Sarah, who I met when I was five, lost her battle at The Princess Margaret, so the fact that my Ride funds are immediately put to use at this world-renowned cancer centre is very important to me, as The Princess Margaret gave Sarah great care while she was being treated. Sarah didn't get to finish university, but I will finish my first 200-kilometre Ride to Conquer Cancer in her memory. It's something I just have to do," Rosenbaum added.
Enbridge is the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer, since 2011. Collectively more than 1,700 Enbridge employees, their friends and their families have raised over $5.7 million for The Ride across Canada. Sponsorship funds donated by Enbridge allow dollars raised by Ride participants to support cancer programs at The Princess Margaret.
"The Ride's mission is very personal to Enbridge employees, along with our community of friends and family members, as we have all been touched by cancer in some form," said Glenn Beaumont, President of Enbridge Gas Distribution.
"It is an honour to support The Princess Margaret as they are making great strides every day to conquer this terrible disease. We are celebrating the success of this year and look forward to The Ride every year," added Beaumont.
Organizers released the dates of June 11th and 12th for the 2016 event, and encourage people of all athletic abilities to participate in the ninth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
"Register today at our re-registration tent, visit us online at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at 877-699-BIKE," Alofs concluded.
Ride organizers expect thousands of Ontarians to attend public cheering stations from Toronto to Niagara Falls. For a map of the Ride routes, visit www.conquercancer.ca
ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE - CLICK HERE
ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION - CLICK HERE
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SOURCE Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leviana Coccia
Communications Coordinator
(416) 577-9255
lcoccia@conquercancer.ca
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