Click here for 2016 WICC Relay for Life video link
On Friday June 17th insurance industry professionals gathered at Downsview Park in support of WICC Ontario’s annual Relay for Life event. Relay is the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser, generating significant funds each year for lifesaving cancer research. In 2016, 699 participants and 67 teams represented WICC at events across Ontario to raise a total of over $425,000.
The Downsview Park location is an insurance-industry exclusive event. This year, 546 participants ‘accepted the baton,’ walking the track from 6pm until midnight. Participants heard from cancer survivors and researchers about the importance of organizations like WICC and the CCS with a passion and commitment to fighting cancer. “Canadians should be very proud of their insurers for stepping up and supporting the Canadian Cancer Society,” said Susan Drodge, the Society’s Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships in Ontario. “Year after year, insurance industry professionals demonstrate their commitment to those in their community touched by the disease.”
As presenting sponsor, Economical Insurance donated $109,500 to support this event and several other Relay For Life events in Ontario and Quebec. “As a member of the insurance community, we were quite proud to support the event in such a significant way,” said Tom Reikman, Economical’s chief operating officer. “It’s a powerful thing to stand together with our colleagues and competitors, united in our fight against cancer.”
Event participants were fervent in their fundraising efforts, with the Northbridge Insurance Navigators team receiving honors as top fundraisers after raising almost $26,000. “I am so proud of both my team and the industry for their passion and commitment to fighting cancer,” said Relay For Life Co-Chair Shari Dodsworth, senior vice president, Sales & Distribution at Northbridge Insurance. “This is the seventh year that we have joined WICC in Relay For Life and we are showing no signs of slowing down!”
Flame luminaries were available for purchase to remember those touched by cancer. The lighting of the luminaries and the lap of remembrance was, as always, a powerful reminder that we all stand together in the fight against cancer.
Live music, food and drink and entertainment for the kids too – made the time on the track fly by. Before we knew it we were once again hugging friends and colleagues goodbye and heading home with tired legs and a great feeling of accomplishment.
If you would like to accept the baton, check back here for 2017 Relay for Life event updates or contact WICC to become a volunteer or to make a donation.
