Media Advisory - Novartis employees come together for annual Ride for Life

Novartis employees close in on the finish line from a 600km bike ride in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

DORVAL, QC, Sept. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Twelve years and going strong, a group of 40 dedicated employees from Novartis Canada will arrive this afternoon at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. headquarters in Dorval, QC, from a 3.5-day, 600km bike ride for charity. The Ride for Life took place over the weekend to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) as part of the CIBC Run for the Cure initiative, benefiting the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

"The Ride for Life is a great corporate initiative that truly shows our continued commitment to breast cancer research and our dedication to patients," said Winselow Tucker, General Manager, Novartis Oncology Canada. "We are all inspired by the motivation and determination of all the participants this year and so proud to be one of the top fundraisers for the Run for the Cure."

WHAT:	Cheer on the group of Novartis cyclist-fundraisers as they enter the home stretch of the 3.5-day ride from Toronto, Ontario, to Dorval, Quebec, arriving at Novartis Canada headquarters for a cheque presentation and closing ceremonies.
	Since starting this initiative in 2005, Novartis employees have raised over $1 million dollars, making them the one of the largest fundraising teams in Quebec, according to the CBCF.
	This year, the Novartis team secured donations representing a total of $80,333.
WHO:	Nathalie Tremblay, CEO, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
	Karine Iseult-Ippersiel, Vice-President of Business Development and Strategy, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
	Edgar Rouleau, Mayor of the City of Dorval, QC
	Nancy White, Franchise Head, Solid Tumors, Novartis Oncology Canada

WHEN/
WHERE:	Tuesday, September 20^th, 2 p.m.	Cyclists' Arrival Day Celebration
		& Closing Ceremony*
		Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
		385 Bouchard Blvd., Dorval, Quebec.
*As part of the closing ceremony at Novartis, a cheque representing this year's proceeds will be presented to the CBCF.

About Ride for Life
The Ride for Life is the Novartis team's iteration of the CIBC Run for the Cure. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. holds this fundraising activity in advance of the Run, which will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2016, in more than 60 communities across Canada. The CIBC Run for the Cure is the biggest volunteer-run fundraising event in the fight against breast cancer. To contribute to this cause or to learn more, please visit cibcrunforthecure.supportcbcf.com.  

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the CIBC Run for the Cure
Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure has been the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in support of creating a future without breast cancer. On October 2, 2016, this national movement will again connect participants and volunteers in over 60 communities across the country. For more information, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com.

About the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted entirely to the fight against breast cancer through research and innovation, raising awareness, and by providing education and support to those affected by the disease and their loved ones. For more information, visit their website at www.rubanrose.org.

About 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 2015, the company invested $53 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs more than 700 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.

NPR/COR/0011 - E

SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Novartis Media Relations: Daphne Weatherby, Novartis Pharma Communications, [phone]. [email protected]; Spectrum Advisors:[phone], [email protected]