  |    |
        |
 |
 | ||
| |||
 |  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
| ||
|  | |
| ||
 |  | |
| · | News Releases |
| · | Multimedia Centre |
| · | Virtual Press Kits |
| · | Fact Sheets |
| · | FAQ |
| · | Contact the Newsroom |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
Manulife Financial Walk and Run for Breast Cancer Action Ottawa - Three hundred and fifty people are expected to lace up their sneakers for the Manulife Financial Walk and Run in support of Breast Cancer Action (BCA) on Sunday June 1, 2003. This annual event brings together breast cancer survivors, their families and other members of the community to support the important services provided by Breast Cancer Action. All funds raised during the event will be used to continue the work of BCA, an organization dedicated to informing, educating and supporting women and men (and their families) living with breast cancer. Celebrating its 10th year since incorporation, BCA works on the frontlines in the battle against breast cancer, operating a support and resource centre for breast cancer survivors in the Ottawa area. The organization also holds monthly meetings and offers workshops, counselling and other programs designed to raise public awareness of the disease. Executive director, Anita Bloom, says helping people cope with the disease is the BCA’s primary focus. Bloom says, “Our role is to help those who need support once they’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. No one can tell you what it’s like unless they’ve been there and received that same diagnosis themselves. That’s where our programs have real value.” During the 2003 edition of the Run and Walk, BCA president Dianne Hartling will be walking in honour of people who can’t walk themselves: those who are unable to participate for health reasons, and those who have succumbed to the disease. Bloom says, “We think it will be a moving experience that will honour those who can’t walk, while illustrating the potential devastation this disease can cause.” Manulife Financial is proud to continue its long association with BCA by sponsoring the 2003 Walk and Run. “By providing the funding necessary to stage the event, Manulife allows us to ensure that every dollar pledged and raised by the walkers and runners is a dollar that goes directly to BCA programs,” says Bloom. “Without this kind of corporate sponsorship, that just wouldn’t be possible.” But the company’s involvement isn’t limited to corporate sponsorship. In 2002, virtually the entire staff (and many of their spouses) from Manulife Financial’s Ottawa Regional Group Office supported the walk, either as volunteers or participants. Regional manager Linda Burdon was a celebrity chef during the barbecue that followed the walk. Burdon says, “It was just a beautiful day. There were people cheering the runners as they made their way around the course, and afterwards everybody gathered back at the park. We’ve all lost friends or family to this disease, so it’s important to get involved and support the work of Breast Cancer Action.” In 2003, Burdon says the Ottawa office will challenge staff from Manulife Financial Regional Group Offices right across the country to get involved by adopting-a-walker in Ottawa. Bloom says the event has experienced tremendous growth during its first decade, “Every year, we get more and more people out, more and more people who want to support the organization.” The day begins with words of welcome and encouragement from organizers and survivors of breast cancer. Then at 10 a.m., the Run and Walk departs from Ottawa’s Rideau Canoe Club. After completing the course, participants are invited to gather and enjoy a free barbecue and concert on the banks of the Rideau River. For more information To learn more about the Manulife Financial Walk and Run for Breast Cancer Action, or for information on BCA and its programs, visit www.bcaott.ca. About Manulife Financial Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$141.6 billion as at March 31, 2003. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. - 30 - Media contact: Tom Nunn Director, Media Relations Manulife Financial 519-594-8578 tom_nunn@manulife.com |
|
