MONTREAL, July 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Children, parents and friends gathered in Montreal's Maisonneuve Park this afternoon for the grand arrival of the cyclists taking part in the 17th edition of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. Again this year, the event ended on a spectacular note as spokesmen Pierre Bruneau, Paul Doucet and Pierre Jobin announced that the sum of $2,300,000 has been raised in support of the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau. Exhausted but proud of their efforts, the 200 cyclists involved in this adventure were thrilled with this record sum, which will serve to finance research in pediatric oncology.
With its contagious energy, the crowd gave a very vocal show of support to all the participants when the finals results were announced. None were happier than the four heroines of this edition: Marie-Soleil Quesnel, age 17, Annick Gentes, age 17, Laurence Chagnon, age 8, and Sophie Valence, age 9. Each is in remission after being treated for cancer. Together, these two young women and two girls were an inestimable source of inspiration for our intrepid riders throughout the event.
"What I've found even more incredible, over the years, is the perseverance and enthusiasm of our participants. As you know, the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau involves a great many participants, partners and volunteers, and their efforts to mobilize continue to surprise and impress me from one year to the next. I'm extremely pleased with this great accomplishment, and I continue to believe that our efforts will make it possible to fulfil the dream of recovery cherished by all these children. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who helped to make our event a success!" said Fondation spokesman Pierre Bruneau, who took part in the 4-day leg of the tour. Mr. Bruneau and the 29 seasoned cyclists in the main field of riders travelled more than 635 kilometres from July 3 to 6, 2012, stopping in Chicoutimi, Roberval, La Tuque and Trois-Rivières before returning to Montreal along with the cyclists in the each of the 2-day itineraries as well as those taking part in Ambassador's Day.
200 cyclists, 4 itineraries, 1 huge success
On Friday, July 6, 95 ambassadors joined the main field of riders for the final leg of the tour, cycling from Trois-Rivières to Montreal, a distance of 140 kilometres. At lunchtime, the cyclists from each of the 2-day itineraries - among them Paul Doucet and Pierre Jobin - linked up in Lavaltrie, where they formed an impressive delegation in view of the grand arrival ceremony at Montreal's Maisonneuve Park.
For Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President, Distribution, Retail, Eastern Canada, CIBC, this resounding success is the fruit of joint efforts deployed by all CIBC employees and clients: "Again this year, we surpassed our fundraising objective, and I want to thank all those who generously contributed to this record sum, especially our employees and clients. The CIBC is proud that so many of its employees took up the cause. Twenty-two people were personally involved in raising funds, and for some that meant cycling more than six hundred kilometres in four days. A huge thanks to everyone!"
The proceeds will serve to finance several projects in the area of pediatric oncology, including the creation of the Charles-Bruneau pediatric oncology unit at the CHUS. They will also go toward supporting research programs at the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte-Justine, in particular the long-term follow-up program, the cord blood transplantation program and the art therapy program.
To relive the highlights from the 17th edition
To view video capsules, daily reports and photographs, go the charlesbruneau.qc.ca/tour-cibc or visit the Fondation's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.
The family component: mini-tours IGA Charles-Bruneau
Thanks to the involvement of IGA grocers, the mini-tours IGA Charles-Bruneau were presented throughout the province. Thousands of families combined pleasure with generosity by taking part in bicycle excursions. This third edition was an impressive success. For complete details, visit www.IGA.net from July 9, 2012 ("Involvement" section).
About the CIBC
The CIBC is committed to supporting causes that are dear to its clients, employees and to the communities where it carries out its activities. Its objective is to give more to communities through donations, sponsorships and volunteer activities initiated by CIBC employees. By adopting a strategic direction based on youth, education and health, and by relying on the commitment of its employees, the CIBC invests in the social and economic development of communities throughout the country. For complete details go to engagementcommunautaire.cibc.com
About the Fondation
Since 1990, the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau has had a mission to give all children with cancer the best chances of recovery by financing research and supporting the development of projects in the area of pediatric oncology. charlesbruneau.qc.ca
Image with caption: "In this photograph, Mr. Pierre Bruneau is flanked by spokesmen Paul Doucet and Pierre Jobin (TVA Québec), Mr. Sylvain Vinet (CIBC), Me Richard Laramée (Kaufman Laramée) and the children paired with the cyclists in the 17th Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. (CNW Group/Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120706_C6704_PHOTO_EN_16048.jpg
David Letky, Communications Officer
Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau
Tel.: 514 256-0404, extension 230
[email protected]
Sophie Blouin, Senior Manager
Community Investment, Eastern Canada, CIBC
Tel.: 514 876-6619
[email protected]
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