RANKIN INLET - The community of Rankin Inlet rose to the occasion once again earlier this month by donating almost $11,000 to the annual CIBC Run for the Cure campaign that raises funds for breast cancer research.

The event was organized by the committee of Brenna MacEachern, Amey Beaton, Veronica Tattuinee and Sherry Morey in collaboration with employees at the Rankin branch of the CIBC.

MacEachern said the committee was more than pleased by the turnout for this year's event.

She said beautiful weather and two week's worth of promotional events leading up to the run combined to make this year's endeavour a success.

"We had a sold-out social function at the Legion and everyone came out dressed in pink, even the guys," said MacEachern.

"Our office-corporate challenge was also very successful.

"That had some local businesses and government organizations participate in a balloon and dart challenge.

"Whatever amount was in the balloon you burst with a dart was how much you had to donate to the run."

Community businesses donated a number of prizes to the run, along with those offered by the CIBC.

Adriana Kusugak earned a pair of Canadian North airline tickets for being the top fundraiser at the event.

MacEachern said she enjoyed helping organize this year's run, and wanted to be involved in helping such an important event as the Run for the Cure.

"So many of our lives have been affected by not only breast cancer, but cancer in general. It's really important to take every opportunity we can to raise awareness of it.

"It was so good to see the community become involved to the level it did this year.

"I've lived in Rankin for a little more than a year now, and I took part in last year's run as a participant, so this was also a way for me to get more involved with the community."

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