CIBC Run for the Cure going high-tech due to COVID

By Sulz, Dave on September 18, 2020.

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Organizers have devised a high-tech solution to ensure the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure goes ahead in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since participants can’t meet in person this year, the fundraising and awareness event for breast cancer, scheduled for Oct. 4, has been transformed into a hybrid virtual and physical experience that includes a refreshed app, customizable virtual runners and live-streamed opening ceremonies.

Through an easy-to-use mobile app and website, Lethbridge residents can create and customize their own virtual runner, fundraise to unlock rewards, and track their activity.

On run day, Lethbridge residents will be able to join the live-streamed online opening ceremonies before heading out to walk or run in their neighbourhood.

The opening ceremonies will be live-streamed on Canadian Cancer Society’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 9:30 a.m. MST and will be hosted by Jully Black, the award-winning singer-songwriter dubbed “Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul.” Black has partnered with the Run for the Cure to cheer on participants and supporters, and to empower all Canadians affected by breast cancer to never stop running. Viewers can also expect a high-energy warmup and powerful performances from the Barenaked Ladies, Jess Moskaluke and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

The Cancer Society points out that every day, more than 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer. As a higher risk population, people living with cancer rely on the same health-care system that is still responding to COVID-19 and its impacts.

“Now more than ever, the CIBC Run for the Cure in Lethbridge needs your support to ensure that no Canadian has to face breast cancer alone,” Sarah Eccleston, Signature Programs Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, said in a news release. “Cancer doesn’t stop being a life-changing and life-threatening disease in the middle of a pandemic and that’s why we will never stop running to support people affected by breast cancer.”

The CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause.

Canadians can register for or donate to the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com.

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