Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raises millions for cancer research

Through sun, rain and wind, more than 11,000 riders in this year's Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer brough passion and perserverence to their efforts toward a cancer-free future, raising nearly $44 million to support cancer research in the fight agains a disease that impacts one in four Canadians.

Ride To Conquer Cancer

 

---

The 2011 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raised nearly $44 million to support cancer research.

The two-day Ride attracted cyclists of all abilities and took place in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario in June and July. The unique event raises funds to benefit cancer organizations across Canada, supporting efforts to advance breakthrough research and provide innovative treatments and critical services to those in need.

"Congratulations to all the riders, volunteers and participants who committed so much to cancer research. Together we really have made an epic impact," said Pat Daniel, Enbridge President and CEO.  "We're proud to be the national sponsor site for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer for 2011 to 2013."

Enbridge first sponsored the Ride in 2010 and then became official national title sponsor in 2011.

In addition to their company's sponsorship role, Enbridge employees were active participants in the 2011 Ride, with more than 200 employees, friends and family members raising over $900,000.

"This was the most difficult physical activity that I have ever participated in," said Kari Krohman, a member of the Enbridge Ride team in Alberta. Krohman was one of more than 2,200 riders in who rode from Calgary south to the Chain Lakes Provincial Park and back over the June 25 and 26 weekend in a challenging 200-kilometre bike ride to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"The Ride was filled with never-ending hill climbing, wind, rain and, toward the end, sunshine — everything that Alberta has to offer. I was exhausted but also filled with a huge achievement. I only suffered two days out of my life, and that doesn't compare to the suffering and the struggle of ones who battle cancer every day."

In Ontario, another participant was Enbridge Gas Distribution President Janet Holder.

"Knowing others who have had cancer, and as a cancer survivor myself, this was a very personal event for me," said Holder of the event that attracted more than 4,600 cyclists who rode from Toronto to Niagara Falls over June 11 and 12 to raise money for Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital. "I'm proud of my accomplishment and, with my fellow riders, proud of our company's association with the Ride. We're eager to do what we can to contribute to its success in raising much-needed dollars for research."

In terms of dollars raised, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is the largest cycling fundraiser in Canadian history. Initiated in 2009, the event has raised more than $130 million for cancer research treatment and care at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the BC Cancer Foundation, the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in Ontario and the Jewish General Hospital - Segal Cancer Centre in Quebec. In 2011, a total of $17.5 million, $11.1 million, $8.6 million, and $6.7 million were raised in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Quebec, respectively.