CIBC Run for the Cure returns Oct. 5 in Simcoe

This year’s 26th CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe is Oct. 5.

Chris Abbott

Editor

With $2.9 million raised going into Simcoe’s 2024 CIBC Run for the Cure, and just over $50,000 raised last year, this is the year they could top $3,000,000.

“Let’s hope we get to three this year,” said Norfolk committee director Gail Catherwood, looking forward to the 26th CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe on Oct. 5. “We have another $50,000 to get to the $3,000,000 mark. This is the year! So far, the numbers are good – we’re doing our best to get the word out, doing different things to get people to listen to us here.”

Participants can pre-register online (support.cancer.ca) or make a donation to the cause (with immediate tax receipts) – make sure you go to the Simcoe Run for the Cure page - or begin registering on-site Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. Individuals and teams are welcome.

“It’s a great time,” said Catherwood, noting there are family-friendly activities and entertainment, and a Survivors Tent.

“It’s a great time for people to reunite. Families coming together to walk for a loved one or someone who has been affected. It’s more about that than ‘who’s going to win the race.’”

Opening ceremonies, which includes closing ceremonies, is at 10 a.m. at the Lions Ball Park, 75 Davis Street East in Simcoe, followed by the start of the walk/run around 10:15 on paved 1-km and 5-km routes.

“In the past, we used to do all the highest fundraisers and congratulating the teams all at the end, but now we do it at the start. It does not delay it too much, and it does give people the ability to celebrate, rather than waiting until everybody gets back.”

The CIBC Run for the Cure is different from other cancer fundraising events – it focuses on breast cancer.

“When you specify where the money is going, that makes it even more prevalent for some people. We have a very high percentage of breast cancer here in this community, so it’s great to get behind the cause.”

It also raises awareness, she said, emphasizing the importance of mammograms and early testing.

“I am hoping that people see a difference,” said Catherwood, noting there were over 300 women and men at their Sept. 9 Run for the Cure fundraising fashion show. “All the people on that stage were breast cancer survivors, and some of them have been doing it for 20 years. And that’s why we keep doing this.

“I think there’s been a lot of hope in the community seeing these girls come back every year.”

About the CIBC Run for the Cure

In 1992, a small but dedicated group of volunteers began a movement in Toronto. They brought together 1,500 people to raise awareness and raised $85,000 for the breast cancer cause. It marked the beginning of what was to become the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, now Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led event supporting the breast cancer cause.

In 1997, a partnership between the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and CIBC began. On February 1, 2017, CBCF and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) joined forces under the CCS banner. Together, CCS, CIBC and thousands of dedicated Canadians continue to raise vital funds for the breast cancer cause.

CCS invests these dollars into groundbreaking breast cancer research, compassionate support services, trusted cancer information and advocacy on behalf of all Canadians. Thanks to the generosity of CIBC Run for the Cure supporters, more is known than ever before about how to prevent, diagnose, treat and live with and beyond breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, touching the lives of many families every day. The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to come together to honour and celebrate their loved ones. And to make a real difference for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer.

For more information, visit cancer.ca