As the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 21 to 27, it’s an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who support the foundation’s vision of creating a future without breast cancer.
Each year, more than 17,500 volunteers dedicate their time to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In BC, local volunteers are truly making a difference in their own communities. Thanks to the organizing committee of volunteers, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is held annually in Abbotsford. This extraordinary group of people each dedicate more than 100 hours to make the event happen in their community. Last year in Abbotsford, more than 1,790 walkers and runners participated in the five- or one-kilometre event, promoting the importance of breast health and raising funds to support research.
The foundation announces returning run directors Susan Johnston and Marie Lashley, who will lead a team of volunteers to organize the annual walk/run in Abbotsford this year. Like many of the volunteers that support the foundation, Susan and Marie have their own reasons for volunteering.
Susan has been walking in the CIBC Run for the Cure for more than a decade in support of her close friend who passed away from breast cancer in 1994. She started volunteering in Calgary in 2005, and when Susan and her husband moved to the Cultus Lake area, she wanted to continue supporting the cause and became involved with Abbotsford's event. Susan’s aunt has also been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Marie wanted to get involved to not only support a cause that impacts so many women, but to help create an amazing event in the community that brings people together to support each other.
“I don’t have any specific ties to breast cancer, but through this volunteer experience I have met some incredible and courageous women,” said Marie.
Several committee roles still need to be filled, including communications and promotions coordinator, route coordinator, sponsorship coordinator and survivor engagement coordinator. Interested applicants can find more information here or contact Katie Syroid at ksyroid@cbcf.org.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs. Local participants collected donations in the months leading up to the event, raising more than $333,000 in Abbotsford alone last year.
The 2013 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6. For more information on how to participate, donate or volunteer, visit www.cbcf.org.