Relay For Life Bigger and Better in 2017

WICC and Toronto Relay For Life events merge into one mega cancer-fighting fundraiser

TORONTO, March 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) is pleased to once again support the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life events across Ontario. This year's Relay For Life takes place in Toronto on June 16 at Downsview Park from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Traditionally, WICC has hosted a separate Relay For Life event in Toronto to complement the Canadian Cancer Society's annual relay. This year, the two organizations have decided to join forces and host one huge Relay For Life, making the celebration of survivors, recognition of the dearly departed and efforts to raise funds that much bigger.

Leading the way this year is Canadian insurer Economical Insurance, holding the title of Relay For Life's presenting sponsor with a $110,500 donation toward the fight against cancer.

"At Economical, we have proudly sponsored Relay For Life events since 2006," said Rowan Saunders, Economical's president and chief executive officer. "This year, we continue to invest our sponsorship commitment toward the cancer cause. Funds raised at Relay For Life enable the Canadian Cancer Society to take a comprehensive approach to fight all types of cancer through research, prevention and advocacy activities, and to offer support services for patients and their families."

Marking its 21st anniversary in 2017, WICC has supported Relay For Life for the last eight years and continues to be a very significant corporate contributor through sponsorship and fundraising. With this new partnership for the Canadian Cancer Society's signature fundraising walk, WICC is aiming to beat its impressive turnout from last year, having 700 participants with more than $470,000 raised.

"Relay For Life is our largest fundraising initiative each year. WICC and the insurance industry's long-standing commitment to our cause have made a significant impact in the fight against cancer," said Susan Drodge, Director, Corporate and Community Partnerships and Donor Services, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario.

"This event is always a special evening that shines a spotlight on the fight against cancer with 100 per cent of funds raised going directly toward cancer research" added Shari Dodsworth, WICC Chair, Relay For Life. "Thanks to our generous donors, researchers continue to discover life-saving treatments and we are able to provide support programs to those living with cancer."

Accept the baton! To register a team, or to participate in other Relay For Life events, visit www.relayforlife.ca or call 1-866-201-6202.

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SOURCE Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade

Jeff Rohrer, 416-362-2031 ext. 4364, [email protected]