Annual CIBC Run for the Cure in Calgary exceeds $1M fundraiser goal

The annual Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) CIBC Run for the Cure in Calgary — the second-largest in the country — exceeded its goal of $1 million for breast cancer research and awareness in its 34th year.

The run, which happens in 53 communities across the country, is Canada’s “largest single-day, volunteer-led initiative in support of the breast cancer cause,” and is meant to raise funds for research and support programs to help those facing breast cancer.

Five thousand participants gathered in the brisk chilly morning at Southcentre Mall for Canada’s biggest event and began their trek by running, walking, or rolling at 9 a.m.

Calgary run director Kristy McGowan says the hope of the event and the spirits of those involved help get folks through the cold.

While the sun breaks up the frost, McGowan says help from warm coffee and spin bikes will certainly get people’s blood pumping.

Not to mention the fun outfits, adding to the heightened spirits.

“There are some very intense outfits and we’re we’re totally here for it,” McGowan said.

“We also have a lot of dogs dressed up today, which we’re very excited to see. All of the pups dressed up across Calgary here at the Southcentre Mall. People are out in their finest.”

And the colour of choice?

“Pink,” she said. “We have pink tutus. We have pink hats everywhere. We have kind of inflatable pink suits around. There’s a lot of pink.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in Canada, and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer throughout their lifetime, according to CCS. It also says one in 36 diagnosed with breast cancer will die from it.

McGowan says the money raised goes to vital breast cancer support and research with the Canadian Cancer Society. That research includes support services like accessible phone lines and driving folks to appointments, and “important services to help people living with breast cancer feel more supported and know that they’re not alone.”

Calgary’s goal this year is $1 million — a record-breaking amount for the city’s event. The only other city to hit a million is Toronto.

“Last year we raised $837,000. So technically, we were going to set ourselves a goal like $900K, but we said, ‘You know what, Calgary is hot, so we reckon we can get us to the $1 million mark,’ and we’re nearly there,” she said.

It was confirmed later Sunday $1,050,000 was raised.

For anyone checking it out, the Run for the Cure marketplace also has local vendors selling an assortment of items, entertainment by Danny Nix and The Heat, and a kids’ zone where they can play basketball with the Calgary Surge.

More information on the charity event and how to donate can be found online.