"The Pink Tour" hits the road for summer-long education program
LONDON, Ontario, May 23, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Communities across the province will be seeing pink this summer as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, with the support of CIBC and Shoppers Drug Mart, hits the road for a summer- long bus tour, inviting Ontarians to come out and get the facts about breast cancer screening. Today, The Pink Tour made its first official stop at Covent Garden Market in London where women, their friends and family got on board for breast health.
"Research shows that regular breast cancer screening can save lives. Since 1986, breast cancer mortality rates in Canada have declined by almost 40% as a result of increased mammography screening and improved treatments. Even though we know that finding breast cancer sooner means a greater range of treatment options and a better chance of survival, only 67% of eligible women were screened in 2010," says Sandra Palmaro, CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region.
Joined by Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-term Care, Palmaro and representatives from the tour's partner sponsors - CIBC and Shoppers Drug Mart - welcomed visitors on board where they learned about breast health and breast cancer screening through hands-on, interactive tools. Minister Matthews and other visitors had the privilege of being among the first to sign the bus as their pledge to support the cause.
"Keeping Ontarians healthy is a priority for our government and we are putting our efforts into promoting healthy habits like comprehensive screening programs," says Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care for Ontario. "I want every woman who is eligible to be screened for breast cancer, because we know that early detection can help save lives."
The Pink Tour will make over 90 stops in communities across Ontario from May through October, with a goal of reaching more than 30,000 people. Eligible women will be able to sign up for a mammogram with the Ontario Breast Screening Program, a joint program of Cancer Care Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, right on the bus.
"We are pleased to be part of the Pink Bus Tour. Offering a booking system on the bus is a great way to support more women to be appropriately screened through our high quality Ontario Breast Screening Program", said Neil Johnson, Regional Vice President, South West Regional Cancer Program, Cancer Care Ontario.
"Breast cancer is a cause that is very close to our hearts at CIBC because it affects so many Canadians," says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC, a co-sponsor of The Pink Tour. "We are very excited to be helping bring this innovative and educational program to communities across Ontario. With one in nine women still being diagnosed with breast cancer our goal is to start this important conversation with as many people as possible so we can raise awareness."
The tour will be travelling to cities and towns all across Ontario, including Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Windsor and Ottawa, and is scheduled to visit community events, town squares and other locations.
"Shoppers Drug Mart is putting the resources and passion of our employees, Associate-owners and their teams behind Shoppers Drug Mart WOMEN - our commitment to the health of all Canadian women in body, mind and spirit. Further demonstrating that commitment we are very proud to be a part of The Pink Tour, an innovative program designed to empower women to learn about their breast health and breast cancer," says Mary-Alice Vuicic, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President Human Resources, Shoppers Drug Mart, co-sponsor of the Pink Tour.
The tour will continue on the road throughout southwest Ontario for the remainder of the week. People are invited to find out when it will be making a stop in their community by visiting the website at www.cbcf.org/pinktour.
Follow The Pink Tour's journey at Facebook.com/CBCFOntario and Twitter.com/CBCF_Ontario (#PinkTour).
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first volunteer-led organization in the country devoted exclusively to breast cancer research, breast health and breast cancer education and advocacy. Our goal is to reduce the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, and to improve quality of life for those affected. We fund world-class researchers and clinicians who are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, the Foundation's Ontario Region has awarded over $84 million in funding for nearly 600 grants, supporting research projects, fellowships and community health initiatives.
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. In 2011, CIBC contributed more than $35 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations.
You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.
Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The Company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With 1,206 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the Company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The Company also licenses or owns 57 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé in Québec) and eight luxury beauty destinations operating as Murale. As well, the Company owns and operates 63 Shoppers Home Health Care stores, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the Company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Technologies Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities.
Shoppers Drug Mart WOMEN represents the organization's commitment to improving the health of all Canadian women in body, mind and spirit. Brought to life through five partnership programs, created with leading experts and institutions in women's health, this national initiative connects women to health information and resources that help ensure their health only gets stronger. More information can be found at shoppersdrugmart.ca/women.
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