The breast fundraiser event yet
CIBC’s Run for the Cure date is fast approaching
by Cheyenne Geysen, Op-Ed Editor
Residents of Regina and surrounding communities are warming up to show their support of breast cancer awareness, education, and prevention.
The 19th annual CIBC Run For The Cure is slated for Sunday, October 3. It is one of the largest single-day volunteer-run fundraisers in support of breast cancer awareness in the country. Participants collect pledges toward the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Then, the funds raised are used for awareness, education, diagnosis, and treatment initiatives.
Participants can walk or run a one- or five-kilometre course.
“It’s really something that anyone can do,” said Regina Run media relations coordinator Whitney Brhelle. “You’re not limited by if you’re a runner or not. We get all types … and ages of people who come out to partake in the activities.”
Registration is open to both individuals and teams. While participants can run with any amount of pledges, they’re encouraged to attempt to raise at least $150 to cover the costs of their registration.
Interested participants can register up until the day of the Run at any CIBC branch in the community, or by visiting the Run for the Cure website at http://www.runforthecure.com.
Last year, 2100 runners in Regina raised roughly $42,000. Brhelle says that this year, they hope to exceed that goal and raise $45,000.
“So far, we’re doing really well. We’re just hoping for some nice weather on run day and to see some new faces out there.”
This year, on average, 445 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week. In 2010, an estimated 180 men in Canada will get the same diagnosis.
“The statistics sort of speak for themselves,” said Brhelle. “One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So for [the University community], if they haven’t had [an experience with breast cancer] in their lifetime yet, it is something that they will unfortunately probably experience at some point. It’s more important than ever that young people are getting involved and trying to be proactive in raising awareness and [increasing] education.”
Rawlco Radio annually partners with the Run community in Regina to raise awareness in a unique way. Their “bra bridge,” made up entirely of donated brassieres, was on display on the Albert Street Bridge from 6 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22.
Rawlco does a fantastic job of lifting and supporting this breast cancer awareness event, and we at the Carillon encourage the student and faculty members of the University of Regina to do the same.
