The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer sets fundraising record with $7 million raised as 4th annual Ride commences in Montreal Français
Largest cycling fundraiser in Quebec history draws 1,956 riders and funds cancer research, treatment and care at the Jewish General Hospital and three key cancer centers throughout the province.
REPENTIGNY, QC, July 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announced 1,956 riders and 350 crew members raised over $7 million for the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, as the 4th annual Ride commenced at École Jean Baptiste Meilleur in Repentigny on Saturday morning. Ride participants will cycle over 200 km through the Quebec countryside with an overnight camp in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
"Today the determination and generosity of the people of Quebec demonstrated once again what can be achieved when we act together for a noble and important cause. We are enormously grateful to all those who contributed to the resounding success of the 4th Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer benefitting the Jewish General Hospital and our cancer partners across Quebec," said Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation.
"The mission of the Jewish General Hospital is to deliver expert clinical care in a compassionate manner to all. The dollars raised directed to research, acquiring the latest technology and treatment, will ultimately benefit the thousands of cancer patients in our hospitals. Thanks to the dedication of each rider, donor, sponsor and their supporters this year's Ride will have a substantial impact in our efforts to conquer cancer," Bick added.
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer continues to be the largest cycling fundraiser in the history of Quebec and has raised more than $26 million in four years for the Jewish General Hospital Foundation. The annual event draws thousands of participants from across the province 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.
"Just this past September, I lost my mother to the disease," said Carole Bérubé of Laval, who is a third year rider.
"This year, my husband, brother and I will be riding in her memory. We will also be riding in hopes of inspiring all those touched by cancer, including our four children Samuel, Olivier, Laurie-Maude and Rosalie. Participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer is my way of making a difference. I support this cause and the incredible work of the Jewish General Hospital because I truly believe that a future without cancer exists," Bérubé added.
Funds raised by The Ride support a range of programs throughout Quebec, including at the Fondation du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ), the Fondation du Centre hospitalier régional de Trois-Rivières (CHRTR), and the Centre de santé et de service sociaux (CSSS) de Gatineau.
"The money raised through The Ride to Conquer Cancer ensures the sustainability of leading cancer research initiatives at the Segal Cancer Centre and across the province," said Dr. Gerald Batist, Director of the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital.
"This year's funds continue to support life-saving research and help to further develop the technology we use for molecular diagnostics, functional imaging and advanced targeted therapies," Dr. Batist added.
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 celebrate this historic occasion for the Jewish General Hospital and the incredible life-saving work they do here in Quebec," said Dan O'Grady, National Manager of Community Partnerships and Investment at Enbridge and member of the company's team of Riders.
"We are personally motivated, empowered and humbled by the overwhelming efforts of the riders, volunteers and donors who have worked all year long for this Ride weekend. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you all very much for making this weekend a tremendous success supporting the global effort to end cancer," O'Grady added.
Myer Bick says sponsorship of all kinds is crucial to the overall success of any charitable initiative.
"The indispensable contributions from our sponsors result in a greater investment into cancer-related programs across Quebec. We are grateful for their support and greatly value their partnership in this important undertaking," Bick added.
Registration for the 2013 Ride opened on Saturday. The fifth annual event will be held July 6th and 7th of next year in Quebec.
"We encourage everyone to join us in this life altering and life sustaining experience, in the 2013 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer," said Bick.
"For more information and to register, go to www.conquercancer.ca or phone 866.996.VELO," Bick 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, please visit www.conquercancer.ca.
About the Jewish General Hospital Foundation - CLICK HERE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Scott, Public Relations Coordinator
1.877.500.7551, [email protected]
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