Over a million dollars.
That’s how much our community has raised for the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure since the event started locally.
The event has grown to be Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led event to support the fight against breast cancer, according to its website.
Melanie Gainforth has been with the local Run for years and says it’s spectacular to say they’ve made an impact.
“Being part of the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is a very humbling experience for all of us,” she shares. “We’re very proud of the contribution that the community of North Bay has made. In our 18 years, we’ve raised over $1.2 million dollars.”
On Oct. 1, thousands join together from coast to coast, and many will meet at the Kiwanis Bandshell in North Bay, to set off on either a 5km or 1km run. The funds are raised by sponsors, partners and the runners.
The Run’s Jillian Dupuis says there are many ways someone can participate.
“This year, people go to our website, select North Bay, choose a team they’d like to donate to or they can participate and raise funds,” she shares. “That would be fantastic. We’re always looking for more people to get involved. They can also choose to support one of the many events happening, whether that’s ‘You’ve been Bra’d’, the manicures events, and other events that we’re going to be having in the community coming up.”
Officials say the funds raised “provide hope to all Canadians impacted by breast cancer,” adding support helps people get to treatment, provides thousands of wigs, headwear and breast prostheses, provides community support and funds research.
Gainforth says it’s a community effort.
“We’re really excited to have the partnerships locally. Community members, businesses, not-for-profits, we’ve been really fortunate to have these partnerships over the last 19 years. We’ve had sponsors come back all these years. It’s really spectacular that we can say we’ve made an impact, and that we’ve had that support,” she adds.
More information on the local run can be found on both Facebook and Instagram.
To sign up or to donate, click here North Bay – CIBC Run for the Cure (cancer.ca)
