Rankin Inlet (Oct 22/03) - The willingness to give shone through bright and clear in Rankin Inlet earlier this month.

A total of 40 participants in the CIBC-sponsored Run for the Cure raised $5,361.89 in Rankin.

More than 160,000 people took part in the event nationwide, with $17 million being raised for breast cancer research.

Sally Kusugak was Rankin's top fundraiser with $1,865 in pledges.

Other top fundraisers were Nicholas Nattar, Dr. Shiv Grewal and Lisa Innukshuk.

Nattar was one of 11 local cadets to participate in the annual run.

Kusugak received a pair of round-trip tickets to anywhere Canadian North flies for her efforts.

The 2003 Rankin run was also supported by the Kativik General Store, Wild Wolfe Cafe and Kissarvik Co-op.

Show of support

Kusugak got involved with this year's Run for the Cure to show her support for people she knew who had battled breast cancer, or went through the discomfort of a mammogram.

"I realized this event was a chance for me to make a contribution and I should take it seriously," Kusugak said.

"Not one person I approached for a pledge hesitated in saying yes."

Kusugak's total is made even more impressive by the fact she only decided to participate two days before the run.

She even managed to raise money from federal Industry Minister Allan Rock and his entourage.

"It just so happened I was at the minister's luncheon just before the walk.

"I introduced myself and told the minister I wasn't leaving until he made a contribution.

"Mr. Rock pledged $50 and got me to ask everyone travelling with him.

"They were all very willing to contribute," Kusugak said.

Kusugak says the airline tickets are a nice incentive to raise as much money as you can.

But, she quickly adds, there are more personal rewards to be had from helping out with a good cause.

"Having so many people here who contributed so freely touched me deeply.

"I felt really good about what I was able to accomplish in raising that much money.

"The run is something everyone who can should get out and be a part of.

"You'll really be glad you did," Kusugak said.