TORONTO, Oct. 5 /CNW/ - Still thriving in its 17th year, the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Toronto attracted an
estimated 30,000 participants who walked, ran and raised funds to support
breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. Early results
indicate that Toronto participants raised over $5.1 million towards an
estimated national fundraising total of $28.5 million. Nationwide, the Run is
the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event in support of breast cancer,
uniting 170,000 Canadians in 55 communities across the country today to create
a future without the disease.
    "To witness the thousands of runners, walkers and supporters who
congregated at Nathan Phillips Square, all working together to create a future
without breast cancer, underlines the impact of breast cancer on so many
lives," says Sharon Wood, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation -
Ontario Region. "We have come a long way in our efforts to create a future
without breast cancer, but more needs to be done. That's why the commitment of
the thousands of volunteers, donors, sponsors, participants and survivors who
support the Run each year is so inspiring and important. Thanks to their
continued support, the Foundation will be able to fund even more innovative
breast cancer research and health promotion initiatives that will create a
lasting impact for those affected by this disease."
    Funds raised through the Run are directed by the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation to the most promising breast cancer research and health promotion
initiatives in Canada. In Ontario, funding has been directed to projects at
every cancer research centre in the province, as well as to communities
ranging from Thunder Bay to Ottawa, Moose Factory to Windsor. These innovative
projects are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer biology, primary
prevention and risk factors, early detection and diagnosis, treatment, care
and quality of life, education and awareness.
    At the closing ceremonies this morning at Nathan Philips Square,
individual participants and teams were recognized for their outstanding
fundraising efforts. Awards were presented to the following participants:-  Leona Fields, a breast cancer survivor and Thornhill resident, won the
       Determination Award for her top individual fundraising efforts of
       $17,371
    -  Team CHFI 98.1, which raised $72,006, won the CIBC Corporate Spirit
       Award
    -  BOSOM BUDDIES received the McCain Friends and Family Team Challenge
       Award in recognition of their team fundraising total of $35,422
    -  St. Clement's School Spirit received the School Team Challenge Award
       for raising $40,880
    -  Team YPA won the New Balance Women's Team Challenge Award, with a team
       fundraising total of $12,360The Run is an inspirational, fundraising event that people of all ages
and abilities can participate in on their own or as part of a team. Sponsors
of the event include CIBC, celebrating its 12th year as title sponsor of the
event. National sponsors include NYGARD, New Balance Canada, McCain Foods
(Canada) Ltd., M&Ms, Running Room Canada Inc., Canpar Transport L.P., Revlon
Canada, and Ganong Bros. Ltd. Ontario's Finest Inns & Spas is a regional
sponsor in the 20 Ontario communities where the Run takes place. In Toronto,
the event's local sponsors are Harry Winston, CB Richard Ellis, Canadian
Springs, Playtex and 98.1 CHFI.

    About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

    The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first
organization in the country devoted exclusively to the funding of breast
cancer research, education and awareness initiatives. The Foundation continues
to blaze new trails in breast cancer and breast health by directing donor
dollars to world-class researchers and clinicians who are contributing to
groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
care; and to community organizations for unique local initiatives with impact.
Since 2000, the Foundation has directed more than $50 million to the cause in
Ontario alone as a result of fundraising initiatives like our signature event,
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, and the efforts
of a committed volunteer network numbering in the thousands./NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
    the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca.
    Additional archived images are also available on the CNW Photo Archive
    website at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited
    members of the media/