SHOPPERS DRUG MART® WEEKEND TO END WOMEN'S CANCERS WRAPS UP TODAY AT CURRIE BARRACKS
Friday, July 22, 2011
By: Weekend Alberta

1250 Walkers finish their 60-km journey having raised $2.6 million for Alberta Cancer Foundation

Calgary, July 24, 2011 - Yesterday, the Alberta Cancer Foundation announced that  1250 participants raised over $2.6 million in its seventh annual Shoppers Drug Mart® Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™. Walkers continued their weekend journey on Sunday morning. The Walk ended with the emotional Closing Ceremonies at 3:15 pm.

Hundreds of volunteers and crew members were on hand to provide support over the course of the two-day event, including meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the streets, and comprehensive medical services.

“A huge thank you to the XXXXX amazing participants, and countless donors and supporters, who made this year’s Shoppers Drug Mart® Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ possible,” said Myka Osinchuk, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “The $XXXXX raised will go directly to improve outcomes for women affected by cancer right here in Alberta, advancing our goal of a cancer-free future.”

Events like the Shoppers Drug Mart® Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ have been a major part in helping Alberta build one of Canada’s strongest cancer research programs and attract and retain top research and clinical talent to the province.

“This is a cause close to my heart. Eight years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My youngest child was just two years old,” said participant Laurene Mitchel. “As a mother the fear I felt for my children was immense. Today I’m happy, healthy and energetic about contributing to a cure. My dream for my three children, and one granddaughter, is that any woman in their lifetime struck with this terrible disease will be able to look to the future without fear.”

The eighth annual Shoppers Drug Mart® Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation is already planned for July 21 to 22, 2012. For more information about the event, or to register as a participant for next year, contact 877-394-WALK (9255), or sign up online at www.endcancer.ca.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation gratefully acknowledges event sponsors: Shoppers Drug Mart, Royale, Pareto, Alberta Milk, Wild Rose Brewery, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Majestic Tent & Event, CTV, 96.9 Jack FM, Lite 95.9.

About Alberta Cancer Foundation

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta’s own. It was established to advance cancer research province-wide and to directly support Alberta’s 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The Alberta Cancer Foundation acts on the knowledge that a cancer-free future is achievable and that when we get there depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.