Pedaling It Forward: 8th Annual Toronto to Montreal Bicycle "Ride for the Cure" Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research and Inspires Novartis Employees To Give Back

23 riders, 4 days, 600 kms, aiming to raise $65,000

DORVAL, QC, Sept. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Employee cyclists depart Toronto tomorrow morning on a 600 km journey in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/ Fondation canadienne du cancer du sein.

WHAT:	Twenty-three cyclists from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. push off tomorrow morning from downtown Toronto to begin the team's eighth annual 600 km "Ride for the Cure" in support of breast cancer research.
	The team will start in Toronto with overnight stops in Cobourg, Kingston and Cornwall, finishing at Novartis headquarters in Dorval, near Montreal.
	The fundraising efforts by the Novartis team this year will bring the total amount raised since 2005 to an astounding $700,000, with the proceeds going to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/ Fondation canadienne du cancer du sein and its "Run for the Cure" campaign.
WHO:	Francine Cleroux, Chief Executive Officer, Ruban rose Alain Dostie, Oncology General Manager, Novartis Canada Joseph Power, Associate Sales Director, Novartis Canada 23 cyclists plus 21 Last Day Riders and 10 employee volunteers
WHEN/ WHERE:	*Saturday, September 15^th, 7 a.m.	Ride for the Cure starts:
		Toronto Marriott Hotel, 525 Bay Street
	Sunday, September 16^th	Cyclists depart from Coburg
	Monday, September 17^th	Cyclists depart from Kingston
	Tuesday, September 18^th	Cyclists depart from Cornwall meets with 21 Last day Riders (75km)
	Tuesday, September 18th at 2 p.m.	Cyclists Arrival Day Celebration Novartis Headquarters, 385 Bouchard Blvd
	(*Photo and Interview Opportunities Available Upon Request)

As part of the closing ceremony at Novartis on Tuesday, a cheque representing this year's proceeds will be presented to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/ Fondation canadienne du cancer du sein.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2010, the Company invested close to $100 million in research and development. As a long-time sponsor of the annual CIBC Run for the Cure, Novartis Canada has made a commitment to breast cancer research as well as supporting physician and patient awareness. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs more than 600 people in Canada. It was named for the seventh time as one of the "50 Best Employers in Canada" in 2011. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.

SOURCE: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Andrea Gilpin
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
514.631.6775 ext 3356
[email protected]

Amanda Federchuk
GCI Group
416-220-3485
[email protected]