The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces over $8 million raised as 4th Annual Ride commences in Alberta
Largest cycling fundraiser in Alberta history draws 1,854 Participants and funds breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies at 17 cancer centres across the province.
CALGARY, June 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announced 1,854 participants raised over $8 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation as the 4th Annual Ride commenced in Calgary on Saturday morning at Spruce Meadows in Alberta. Ride participants will cycle over 200 km through The Rocky Mountains with an overnight camp at Chain Lakes Provincial Park in Alberta.
"We are beyond grateful and most thankful to each rider, donor, sponsor and their supporters who helped to make our 4th annual Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer yet another incredible success for the Alberta Cancer Foundation," said Myka Osinchuk, CEO of Alberta Cancer Foundation.
"The Alberta Cancer Foundation knows a cancer-free future is possible. This year, 16,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Alberta and these funds directly support the life-saving research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other cancer centres here in the Province," Osinchuk added.
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer continues to be the largest cycling fundraiser in the history of Alberta and has raised more than $30.8 million in four years for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The annual event draws tens of thousands of participants across the nation and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate in the annual two-day Ride.
"Supporting cancer research and treatment is particularly important me and my family," says Charlie Simmer, former NHL player and Calgary Flames commentator, who is riding for the second time.
"There is an untold sense of camaraderie and unity as everyone here has their own deeply personal motivation for taking on The Ride. For me, my family and friends are constantly dealing with cancer and I want nothing more than for those closest to me to be free of this deadly disease and the pain it causes. The Ride is my way of doing something about it. I fully support the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and their mission, because I too want to see a cancer-free future," Simmer added.
Funds raised by The Ride support a range of research programs in Edmonton and Calgary including the Leukemia/Lymphoma Research Group, Childhood Cancer Research at the Cross Cancer Institute and Lung Cancer Research at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
Dr. Jan Storek, a leukemia/lymphoma researcher says, "The Ride enables our research teams to move forward in their life-saving work which leads to advancements to care and treatment options as our 17 cancer centers. My research teams examine methods to improve the lives of those suffering from leukemia and because of it, we're advancing care and treatment therapies every day for our leukemia and lymphoma patients here in Alberta."
In 2011, "The Ride To Conquer Cancer" became known as "The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer" when Enbridge became the National Title Sponsor.
"Our employees at Enbridge and all across Canada are motivated, empowered and humbled by the overwhelming efforts of the riders, volunteers and donors who have worked all year long for this day in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation," said Al Monaco, President, Enbridge Inc. and member of the company's team of 162 Riders from the province. "Like everyone here today, the cause is quite personal for many of us. We celebrate this historic occasion for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the incredible life-saving work they enable across the province," Monaco added.
Osinchuk says sponsorship of all kinds is crucial to the overall success of any charitable initiative.
"Contributions from our sponsors allow us to invest more of the funds raised into cancer-related programs across Alberta. We are grateful to all our sponsors for their support," Osinchuk added.
Registration for the 2013 Ride opened on Saturday. The fifth annual event will be held June 22nd and 23rd of next year in Alberta.
"We encourage everyone to join us next year for the 2013 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer," said Osinchuk.
"For more information and to register, go to www.conquercancer.ca or phone 888.624.BIKE," Osinchuk concluded as thousands of Riders cheered and the 2012 Ride commenced.
Ride organizers expect hundreds of people to attend public cheering stations along the route. For a map of the Ride routes, visit www.conquercancer.ca.
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