CIBC Run for the Cure, Canada's largest volunteer-led charitable funder of breast cancer research, is back for in-person events after two years of being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, in 54 communities across Canada.
As a volunteer-run event by the Canadian Cancer Society, Run for the Cure depends on the efforts and contributions of local volunteers. However, the event in Guelph is currently facing setbacks as the Canadian Cancer Society has been unable to fill multiple roles on the local volunteer committee responsible for planning and executing the event each year.
Since its inception in 1992, the event has raised more than 480 million dollars invested in groundbreaking research and support programs to improve and save people's lives with breast cancer.
"None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of the hundreds of volunteers who make it happen each year. They are integral to the success of every CIBC Run for the Cure event across Canada," says Laetitia Tchatat, Volunteer Engagement Business Partner at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Due to the pandemic, many people are cautious about returning to volunteering. And, because many of the Canadian Cancer Society's programs rely on the volunteer workforce, there is a significant impact on the program delivery.
"We are hearing from volunteers who remain cautious and perhaps aren't ready to return this year. We absolutely understand that people's priority needs to be protecting themselves and their loved ones. We also know that people's daily routines are still in flux and may look different than they did in 2019. But we are still hopeful we can secure new volunteers who are looking to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer," says Tchatat.
Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with an estimated 1 in 8 being diagnosed with it in their lifetime. However, incredible advancements are being made possible by initiatives like CIBC Run for the Cure. Today, 89% of women and 80% of men with breast cancer survive at least five years past their diagnosis, and, since its peak in 1986, the breast cancer death rate in women has been nearly cut in half.
"It's because of the funds raised through the CIBC Run for the Cure that we know more than ever before about how to prevent, diagnose, treat, and live with and beyond breast cancer," says Kathryn Rodgers, Director of Signature Programs at Canadian Cancer Society.
The Canadian Cancer Society is currently recruiting volunteers for the Guelph committee to fill the positions of:
- Run Director,
- Community Outreach Lead,
- Volunteer Engagement Lead
- and many other positions
There will also be opportunities for people who want to volunteer on the event day.
The updates about the positions can be found here: Volunteer Positions
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives, funding the brightest minds in cancer research and providing a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast and for all types of cancer.
Run for The Cure is an excellent opportunity for all the volunteers to contribute to this important cause.
To learn more or to sign up to volunteer today, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com or call 1-888-939-3333.