The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Launches Canada’s First-Ever Virtual Balloon Race

A very special fundraising event will be held in the virtual skies next month as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation launches the country’s first ever online balloon race.

This exciting and innovative fundraising program is a web-based balloon race that uses real weather data and Google Maps for 24/7 real-time flight path tracking. Virtual balloons will be released in Hope, British Columbia on Tuesday, October 4   at 11:50 p.m. EST and will race east across Canada until Sunday, October 9 at 11:50 p.m. EST.

Balloons can be purchased for $10 online at www.rabr.co/cbcf. Racers get the opportunity to have fun personalizing their balloon with options to customize its size, shape, level of helium and thickness of rubber in hopes of creating a balloon that will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it for five days. Participants can also add a name to the balloon to honour a loved one and will be able to follow the progress of their balloons online throughout the race period. The owners of the three balloons that travel the farthest distance could have a chance to win CIBC prepaid gift cards in the amount of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

The CBCF Virtual Balloon Race will contribute to building anticipation as Canadians across the country prepare for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2, 2016. With both the Virtual Balloon Race and the Run, Canadians have exciting opportunities to make their marks, get set, and go for a great cause.

Virtual balloon racing quickly became a hit and proved to be an excellent fundraising initiative following the virtual balloon race held by Walking with the Wounded, a charity Prince Harry supported in November 2013.  As Harry completed a 200-mile walk across the South Pole, a virtual balloon race was held across the same course and successfully raised awareness and funds for wounded veterans.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research. On October 2, 2016, this national movement will bring together participants and volunteers in more than 60 communities across the country to create a future without breast cancer. Register, donate or learn more at cibcrunforthecure.com.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is a national community-driven charity. As the largest charitable funder of breast cancer research in Canada, CBCF’s vision is to create a future without breast cancer. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has invested over $360 million in breast cancer research, funding more than 1,400 scientific and community grants. CBCF’s investments in vital research, education, health promotion, support and information programs have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. For more information, visit cbcf.org.