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Vernon  

$$ down, run cancelled

The annual CIBC Run for the Cure in Vernon has been cancelled due to a drop in participation and dollars raised, according to a spokesperson.

The announcement follows a decision to close the Canadian Cancer Society office in Vernon on Sept. 15.

“Each year, we review run sites to ensure we're doing all we can to raise the most funds for our mission,” said Sheila Dong, a senior media spokesperson for the society.

Dong said the local run has seen a decline in participation and dollars raised over the years.

“After much consideration, we determined the Vernon run site would not be active in 2017.”

Figures show a massive drop in cash raised from the run in recent years.

In 2012, more than $66,000 was raised. By 2015, that total had dropped to $34,000. In 2016, the local society reported just $23,000 in donations came in, about one-fifth of what was raised six years earlier.

“We invite any Vernon residents to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure at the nearby run site in Kelowna. Vernon residents can also support the run by using an independent model of fundraising. 'My Run. Any where. Any way' provides residents with the ability to create an activity, individually or as a group, specifically tailored to their interests.”

Dong said CIBC banking centres in the Vernon area would still support run participants by accepting offline donations and registrations and would continue to fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure.

In a separate letter, the Canadian Cancer Society said it had “made the difficult decision to close the Vernon office on the 15th of September.”

The society said money saved by closing the office would be redirected to cancer research, prevention initiatives and support programs such as the Southern Interior Rotary Lodge.
“One message we have heard loud and clear from communities like Vernon and surrounding area is that people want us to spend their donations where we have the most impact. Our donors want to see more investments in research that benefits all Canadians and support services such as the Southern Interior Rotary Lodge in Kelowna.”
The society also issued its "heartfelt thanks" to the volunteers who had kept the office running over the years.

“We still have a presence in the Vernon area through the volunteers who continue to inform the community of our services, connect people with the cause and make a difference for Vernon residents fighting cancer,” stated the letter.



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