Over the past decade CommBank's Can4Cancer has raised close to $17 million for Tour de Cure, with this money funding 145 cancer projects which have achieved 32 cancer breakthroughs, including a recent advancement of pancreatic cancer research and melanoma cancer treatment.
Nathan Barker, Head of Community Investment for Commonwealth Bank, said: "Part of CommBank's mission is to build a brighter future for all Australians and raising money for much- needed cancer research will ensure a brighter future for many Australians affected by cancer. We have an ambitious target to raise an additional $3.1 million by the end of this year to reach a total of $20 million raised for cancer research during our 10-year partnership with Tour de Cure."
CommBank supports Tour de Cure through the CommBank Staff Foundation, with the Foundation's flagship event being Can4Cancer:; a series of walks, rides and runs in capital cities across Australia that sees over 7,500 CommBank staff fundraise and hit the pavement to raise much- needed funds.
In 2024, the current Can4Cancer program will be expanded to 16 events across the country, with 12 walks, two2 runs, one1 bike ride and a one swim on the horizon for CommBank staff members.
Mr Barker said the Bank is committed to continued collaboration with Tour de Cure. "Sadly, we all know someone who has been impacted by cancer. Tour de Cure do incredible work in raising funds for researchers treating and curing cancer, and our 10-year partnership is one that so many CommBank employees are incredibly proud of.
"Fundraising for Can4Cancer is led by the CommBank Staff Foundation, which has been there to support Australians in times of need since World War I, and we will continue to be inspired by and support the generosity of our staff and the causes that mean a lot to them."
Currently in the final days of supporting riders on the Signature Tour, Tour de Cure's CEO, Simon Rountree expressed his gratitude to CommBank for their continued support.
"As an employee- driven initiative there is no better example of how a business and its people can tackle a difficult health and social scenario like cancer and make a difference. It says much about CommBank, its culture, and its people when you can see the difference they have made and the lives that they have saved. And for this we are extremely grateful," Mr Rountree said.."
The Tour de Cure Signature Tour departed from Bellerive in Hobart on Friday 15 March on their way to Adelaide, arriving on Saturday 23 March.
About the CommBank Staff Foundation
Formed in 1917 to assist with care packages for Australians fighting in the First World War, the CommBank Staff Foundation has continued its pledge to build a brighter Australia for more than 100 years. The Bank covers all operating costs of the Foundation, ensuring 100 per cent% of donations are passed on to community organisations and with all contributions made through salary sacrifice and donations matched by the Bank.
The CommBank Staff Foundation is a registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and is also a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, complying with their best practise code.
About Can4Cancer
Started in 2014, Can4Cancer is an employee-driven initiative that has raised over $16.8m for vital cancer research for Tour de Cure. 7,500 CommBank staff took part in the 2023 Can4Cancer walks, rides and run, with the first event for 2024 kicking off with the 50km Sydney run in late August.
About Tour De Cure
Since 2007, Tour de Cure has raised more than $118 million for cancer research through our major annual cycle event, The Signature Tour, as well as other cycle events and corporate partner events. The funds raised are provided as grants to Australian-based cancer researchers who, like Tour de Cure, are driven by the belief that a cure for cancer is possible, and that funding research is how we'll get there. To date, Tour de Cure has funded 1000 cancer projects and contributed to 148 scientific cancer breakthroughs in cancer research.
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