Over 3 million dollars raised in 9 years

Virgin Radio 96 has collected $456,000 thanks to its Shave to Save event

MONTREAL , Oct. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to announce that the 2009 edition of the Shave to Save event, organized by Virgin Radio 96 (formerly Mix96), was once again an incredible success. For the 9th consecutive year, this important partner of the Foundation brought its listeners together for the cause. During the campaign, held throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, from October 1st to 30th, the Virgin Radio 96 team did not run out of work, with 100 heads to shave and over $456,000 raised.

When a group gathered at least $2,000 in donations, a team composed of a radio host and a stylist from the hair salon La Coupe (corner Peel and Sherbrooke in Montréal) headed to the workplace or a location chosen by the team to shave heads. "Virgin's involvement is a natural fit; breast cancer is such an important cause to us. All of the station's employees are proud to be able to contribute in their own way. Since the very first edition of the campaign in the fall of 2000, our listeners have donated over 3 million dollars to the Foundation," says Mathew Wood , Director of Marketing and Promotions at Virgin Radio 96.

Participants, as well as partners of this campaign, all have different reasons to take part in the activity. However, by contributing to the cause, they all agree that it is a fall event not to be missed. "Shave to Save is an important fundraising activity helping to support in a significant way research in the fight against this disease that touches more and more women," says Catherine Latucca, of La Coupe, who collaborates to the event since its very beginning, and Daniel Thibaudeau , of the Diamond Taxi Association of Montreal , who is in charge of driving the stylists to the locations of shavings.

The 2009 campaign ended under the banner of solidarity, as Virgin Radio 96 invited all its listeners to attend their morning show, broadcasted live from the Fairview Pointe-Claire shopping mall for the occasion. The heads of more brave participants were taken care of on this occasion. "It is very moving to see the smiles on these people's faces as they take part in this most unusual experience," mentions Suzanne LeBreux, Executive Director at the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. "Such an expression of courage leads us to believe that we are not alone in our battle. It is a wonderful way to end our very busy month of October! We want to thank our loyal partners for their admirable support through all these years."

About the Foundation:

The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to finance breast cancer research, to promote breast health by education and awareness, and to support people touched by breast cancer. Visit www.rubanrose.org for more information.

About Virgin Radio 96

Virgin Radio 96 is an Astral Media Radio station. Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Its solid and dynamic presence in the country's major markets rests on its commitment to offer a unique combination of high quality, targeted media for all its audiences. For more information on Astral Media, visit www.astralmedia.com.

For further information: Anne-Sophie Hamel, Communications Advisor, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, [phone], [email protected]