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Technology companies raced soap box cars in Canary Derby bid to drive early detection of cancer with the Canary Project at BC Cancer Agency
June 14, 2008, Victoria - Fourteen Vancouver Island technology companies worked around the clock to ensure their soapbox cars were race-ready for the 3rd Annual Victoria Canary Derby Soapbox Race benefiting BC Cancer Foundation. Proceeds will fund the Canary Project for the early detection of cancer, at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, to help purchase two critical pieces of cancer research equipment for use at the Agency’s Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre.
CEO’s from the Vancouver Island technology community raced against each other in their specially-designed soapbox cars, with an estimated crowd of 1,000 on hand to cheer them on and participate in a BBQ, live entertainment, kid’s activities and more.
“Most cancers can be cured if they are found early,” said Dr. Brad Nelson, director of the BC Cancer Agency’s Deeley Research Centre in Victoria. “The Canary Foundation is developing innovative blood and imaging tests that will change the way cancer is detected in the future, potentially saving millions of lives around the world. Our team here in Victoria is excited and proud to be part of this project, and we're grateful to the supporters of the Canary Derby for making it possible,” he added.
“I continue to be amazed at the enthusiasm and commitment of the technology community in its support of the Canary Foundation and the early detection of cancer” said Michael Ball, CEO of GenoLogics and Chairman of the Victoria Canary Derby committee. “This support has broadened to Vancouver, where we will host the first Canary Derby in the Lower Mainland, on September 21st.”
The Canary Derby Soapbox race benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation was held on Saturday, June 14th, 2008, at the Vancouver Island Technology Park, 4464 Markham Road. For event information or to donate to a team, contact Heather Jones at (250) 519-5552 or hjones@bccancer.bc.ca or visit www.canaryderby.com. For more information regarding the Canary Foundation contact Pat McCowan at (206) 660-0439 or pat@canaryfoundation.org.
The BC Cancer Foundation, established in 1935, raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C. All funds raised remain in B.C.
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For information:
Penny Noble, Senior Director, Public Affairs,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5902, cell 604 805 5637
pnoble@bccancer.bc.ca
Laura Walsh, Senior Director, Development, Vancouver Island,
BC Cancer Foundation: 250 519 5554, cell 250 480 9617
lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca
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