Fundraising efforts to support breast cancer research and support programs will kick off this weekend with the annual Run for the Cure event.
The 30th Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is scheduled for Sunday, October 3.
Signature Program Specialist Paula McKinlay said this year's event will include a live-streamed opening ceremony at 11 a.m. for people across the country to view. Participants will then be encouraged to walk or run around their neighbourhood or a local park.
"This community continues to step up and support the cancer cause," she said. "We always see amazing funds and support come through during our breast cancer awareness month."
McKinlay said the event will be held virtually again this year, adding that last year's virtual event went better than expected.
"We had people from all across the nation, coast to coast, that we're able to participate together and we raised over $9 million together," she said. "Chatham-Kent and Sarnia Lambton -- because we were virtual -- they kind of merged this past year in the virtual setting and they raised $25,000."
McKinley said money raised through Run for the Cure is pooled together and a large panel will later distribute funds to support projects and services across the country.
Although the virtual walk is this weekend, donations can be made throughout the year online at www.runfortthecure.ca.
Since the two regions have merged together for the fundraiser, Sarnia-Lambton residents can find their "run community" under the Chatham-Kent option.