UTM Changemakers rally for CIBC Run for the Cure

Mississauga’s CIBC Run for the Cure, in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, took place October 2 at U of T Mississauga. This year’s fundraising success is another one for the record books, with Team U of T Mississauga raising $18,024.

Co-captains Michelle Atkinson and Tara Fader organized this year’s efforts, along with Debby Keown, who organized the UTM Pink Luncheon. This year’s fundraising goal of $15,000 was surpassed leading up to the run, and UTM also came second in Canada for the “Post-Secondary Top Institution Award,” after Queen’s University, which raised $68,730.

More than 4,000 registered participants showed up on Sunday, wearing team shirts and pink accessories. A total of 124 faculty, staff, students and alumni came out to run or walk the 1km or 5km routes, along with Interim Vice-President and Principal of U of T Mississauga, Professor Ulli Krull.

The fundraising efforts leading up to the run and on the day itself were inspiring and fun, says Atkinson. “From Judo-flipping Ulli, to our cookie sale, and all of the efforts of the Pink Luncheon, it was such a pleasure to co-captain the team with Tara! We really have a committed and engaged community at UTM. Together, we raised over $18,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and it makes me so proud to work at the University of Toronto Mississauga.”

Geography professor Andrea Olive was the top Team UTM individual fundraiser, bringing in $2,260, followed by Student Housing & Residence Life staff member Jessica Charbonneau, with $1,438.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, when next year’s race will take place at U of T Mississauga.