Vancouver, June 18, 2011 – The BC Cancer Foundation announced today that 2879 participants across British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest raised $ 11.1 million in the third annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. Since its inception in 2009, the Ride has raised $ 27.2 million, making it the most successful cancer-related fundraising event in B.C. history.
Funds raised for the BC Cancer Foundation from the two-day, Vancouver to Seattle cycling event will support a wide range of research projects and programs at the BC Cancer Agency. With 44 per cent of Canadian men and 39 per cent of Canadian women developing cancer in their lifetime, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has become a powerful call to action for cancer patients, survivors and their supporters.
“The funds we have raised together, through the Ride, will advance new knowledge and understanding of cancer. As a result, our colleagues at the BC Cancer Agency will be able to develop improved treatment options for patients across B.C.,” said Douglas Nelson, BC Cancer Foundation President and CEO, and third-time rider. “The potential for Ride dollars to change the cancer landscape in B.C. and beyond is immense.”
Following opening ceremonies at the Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino in Surrey, riders embarked on the first leg of their journey south across the border and into Mount Vernon, WA, where they will camp tonight. Sunday morning they will continue their journey to the finish line at Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA, just north of Seattle. The majority of the riders are expected to cross the finish line between 11 am and 5 pm. Video of the opening ceremonies is available here: http://bit.ly/ipQ8P5.
Jimi Brockett, captain of the Riders for Ryders team and a three-year participant, is determined to support the Ride every year. In 2009, Jimi lost his five-year-old son Ryder to brain cancer. “People ask me why I ride. The answer is simple; I ride because I have to. I ride so that one day we can look back on cancer,” Jimi said.
The fourth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation is already planned for June 16-17, 2012. Information and registration for next year is available by phone at 1-888-771-BIKE (2453), or online at www.conquercancer.ca.
The BC Cancer Foundation gratefully acknowledges event sponsors: Enbridge, SUGOI, Rockdoc, Eboost, KPMG, Norco, CTV, AM 980 CKNW, 99.3 The Fox, Classic Rock 101, Globe & Mail, Bicycling, Pedal, Mack & Jacks Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Company, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and Fairmont Hotels.
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Media Contacts:
Borjana Slipicevic
Western PR Coordinator
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer
Toll free: 1.855.500.7778