U of T wins second Post-Secondary Challenge

Rainy weather on the day of CIBC’s 2011 Run for the Cure didn’t stop University of Toronto participants from having fun; nor did it stop them from raising the most money for breast cancer research of any university community across Canada.

U of T’s fundraising success led to a trophy presentation Feb. 28 for the winners of the run’s second Post-Secondary Challenge, a title the university also won in the inaugural year of the competition. In 2011, 605 U of T race participants on 38 teams raised more than $80,000 for breast cancer research. The university hosted runs on both its St. George and Mississauga campuses.

“I’m here to say congratulations to U of T for winning the Post-Secondary Challenge and becoming back-to-back champions,” said Karen Malone, vice-president of marketing for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the organizers of the run nationwide. “Other institutions already have their eyes set on U of T this year, but I know the commitment and dedication of your team means the title is probably yours to hold.”

Chancellor David Peterson, honorary chair of the Toronto run, accepted the trophy on behalf of the university.
“I accept this on behalf of all the wonderful people who made it happen,” said Peterson. “This event is a very, very happy association for U of T. I think we can make this a lot bigger next year; we’ve been on a great trajectory.”

Peterson noted that hosting the run is one way the university serves the community; breast cancer research done here is another. A number of U of T researchers receive grants from the funds raised at the race.
Angela Sarino, CIBC’s director of cause sponsorships, also congratulated the university.

“Thank you all for your passion, leadership and commitment to the run,” said Sarino. “U of T is such a wonderful partner and we’re pleased to be back on your grounds again in 2012.

A number of team captains attended the ceremony, including Caroline Cormier, a PhD student in geography who had the distinction of being the Ontario student to raise the most money through run sponsorships. Her determination earned her one a $10,000 award from CIBC to be used for her university studies.

The secret to her success? Persistence.

I asked my friends, my current colleagues, my former colleagues, anyone I could think of to sponsor me,” she said. “I did it all via email and continued asking them a few times.”

It was her first time at the race and the award was just the icing on the cake.

“It was a fun event all around,” she said. “Aside from the rain, it was a great day with friends and to have the support was great.”

The 2012 run is scheduled for Sept. 30. Visit www.cbcf.org for more information.