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Local Run for the Cure needs volunteers or 2011 event may not happen

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is the single largest volunteer-led fundraising event in Canada, taking place in 60 communities across the country. The year 2011 marks CIBC’s 15th year as the title sponsor of the national event, actively engaged in all aspects of the run through extensive volunteerism, staff and community engagement right across the country.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is the single largest volunteer-led fundraising event in Canada, taking place in 60 communities across the country. The year 2011 marks CIBC’s 15th year as the title sponsor of the national event, actively engaged in all aspects of the run through extensive volunteerism, staff and community engagement right across the country.

In 2011, the Run for the Cure is facing a severe shortage in leadership volunteers in the West Kootenay region. The Run for the Cure cannot occur without the extensive volunteer support in our Run communities. This support allows the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to keep costs down; ensuring donor dollars are directed where they should be — towards a future without breast cancer.

For more than 10 years, the community of Castlegar has come together each October to participate in the Run for the Cure and raise funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. Each year, the Foundation has received incredible support in the communities of the West Kootenay, and specifically Castlegar, through Run participation, fundraising, media and corporate sponsorship, and support from community organizations.

Over the last few years, volunteer applications have been dwindling despite active recruitment efforts. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has had to rely on Foundation resources and the amazing staff at the Castlegar CIBC branch to execute the Run. This is a significant drain on human resources for both organizations, and drastically increases the costs of managing the event in Castlegar.

The Run for the Cure will no longer be viable in Castlegar if we are unable to recruit senior leadership volunteers to organize this important community event.

“This is an incredibly difficult position to be in,” says Linda Morris, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region. “The communities of the West Kootenays have always been so supportive, but without the volunteer leadership we need, we simply can’t sustain the event in Castlegar.”

Can you help?

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region is seeking dedicated, community-minded, leadership volunteers to plan and execute the 20th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 2 in Castlegar.

Experienced volunteers are needed to lead the volunteer organizing committee in all aspects of Run day planning. This is a year-round commitment, with peak months being April through October.

Strong organizational, communication and leadership skills are needed, and experience working with a committee preferred. This is an amazing opportunity to connect with hundreds of other volunteers across Canada for a meaningful cause — creating a future without breast cancer by the year 2020.

Those interested in volunteering or who would like more information may contact Talea Pecora, director, Run for the Cure, at 1-800-561-6111, extension 230, or via e-mail at tpecora@cbcf.org.

You can also apply online at www.cbcf.org/bcyukon.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 18.

/Submitted by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation,

BC/Yukon Region