CIBC Run for the Cure holds an event on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend to support cancer research and support.

It was the second annual Pumpkinfest, offering a variety of items and food for anyone interested.

There were crafts and pumpkins available for purchase for those looking for decorations leading into Thanksgiving and beyond.

Co-Run Director Malissa Irvine details exactly where the money raised during the event will go.

“The money is going to go to wherever it is needed, whether it’s breast cancer research, Wheels of Hope which helps people get to and from their appointments,” explains Irvine. “Even having a peer-to-peer support, having that person when you’re having a tough time, there’s a number you can call. There’s so many different things that the Canadian Cancer Society offers, and you can find a lot of that information on their website. It’s for the different programs that are out there that people might not be aware of.”

While the event featured some great local vendors, Irvine stressed how serious this is, and the importance of raising money for the cause.

“Breast cancer affects so many people, one in eight Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” says Irvine. “That’s a lot, and in the group you can see here, and we have a lot of women here already, so one in eight based on chances will be diagnosed. Just recently, a former coworker of mine, 32-years-old and diagnosed with breast cancer going through her second treatment. It hits you hard when you start to see these numbers when they’re younger as well.”

If you weren’t able to attend the event, you are still able to provide support.

You can donate at the CIBC Run for the Cure website throughout the month of October.

The 2021 Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has raised over $9 million for Canadians impacted by breast cancer.