Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 12/05) - A total of 15 runners took part in the annual CIBC Run for Cure event in Rankin Inlet earlier this month.

The group was able to raise $2,400 for the fight against breast cancer.

CIBC Branch manager Stan Anderson says it's getting tough to run successful charitable events.

He says while Rankin has a sterling reputation for its support of charities, residents may be reaching the limits of what they can afford to give.

"This was a lower total than in previous years, but we were a little late in getting our materials for the run and that may have played a part," says Anderson.

"We were hoping for a better turnout, but it just didn't happen this year.

"The time of the year is a problem for us in Rankin.

"But it's a national event and they're not going to change the date to fit our needs, so we'll continue on doing as best we can."

Anderson says the 15 who did come out had a great time.

The Wild Wolf Cafe donated hot chocolate and muffins, which participants and volunteers enjoyed both before and after the run.

Rebecca Wilson was the top fundraiser and received two tickets for anywhere Canadian North flies for her efforts.

Each participant was given a Run for the Cure T-shirt.

Two sponsor-appreciation plaques were presented at the run.

The Wild Wolf Cafe was recognized as the most involved corporate sponsor, and Canadian North received special recognition from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for its ongoing support.

Anderson says he hopes to see the number of runners at the 2006 Run for the Cure in Rankin start to rise again.

"The Terry Fox Run was a huge national event this year because of it being its 25th anniversary, and the schools also held a national day to recognize the milestone.

"Both of those events were held shortly before ours and it's really tough to go back to the same well again to support a similar event.

"But that challenge is faced right across Canada, not just in Rankin.

"Yet we still raise millions of dollars every year, which makes a pretty strong statement as to the generosity of Canadians."