Never Alone Foundation launched
Published on March 15, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - Representatives of the NEVER ALONE program today announced details of several new initiatives, including the creation of a Never Alone Foundation and a Never Alone Difference-Makers awards program.
The launch of the Never Alone Foundation is significant, according to Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer, because it will allow the program to expand its efforts to fund cancer-fighting initiatives through CancerCare Manitoba and offer support to those who are battling the disease.
"One in three people have had a cancer diagnosis in their families. In the next 10 to 15 years that number will double," Bauer said. "That means that two out of every three people will be personally affected by cancer.
"That's basically the reason for creating a foundation - to create awareness, promote cancer education and research and provide patient and family support services."
The Never Alone Difference Makers awards program will be officially launched on April 12 at the Never Alone Luncheon at Canad Inns Polo Park. Tickets for the luncheon are available by calling the Blue Bomber ticket office at (204) 784-2583, ext. 592 or 593.
The purpose of the awards is to recognize individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the Never Alone program and its cancer-fighting efforts. Recipients will be recognized in three categories - school/community centre, individual and business/corporation.
The luncheon will also feature a cheque presentation to CancerCare Manitoba on behalf of the Never Alone Foundation and the first public discussion by Bauer about his own battle with cancer.
"The formation of the Never Alone Foundation is a great undertaking. Canad Inns is an enthusiastic partner with Lyle and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in this effort to help CancerCare Manitoba," said Leo Ledohowski, President and CEO of Canada Inns.
The Never Alone program was officially launched by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club in February of 2005 during the CFL Coach of the Year Award luncheon in Winnipeg.
CancerCare Manitoba is the main beneficiary of the Never Alone program, which was conceived of by Bauer. Bauer was inspired to assist cancer sufferers and their families as a result of his own experience with the disease after being diagnosed with throat cancer in late-2004.
"A cancer diagnosis can be very frightening and the professional team at CancerCare Manitoba works very hard to reduce the impact on patients and families by doing our best to meet their psychosocial, spiritual and physical needs," said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, President and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba.
"Through Lyle's generous support and the creation of the Never Alone Foundation, our health care team has gained an important partner in the fight against cancer."
Never Alone wristbands are available for $5 each, with all proceeds going to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to assist CancerCare Manitoba in its research and education efforts throughout the province of Manitoba.
To date, the Never Alone program has raised more than $100,000 for the fight against cancer. That includes the sale of more than 10,000 Never Alone wristbands at various locations throughout Manitoba including Canada Safeway stores, Canad Inns hotels and Ticketmaster.
Another Never Alone initiative was the first-ever Never Alone Social, held Aug. 26 at Canad Inns Stadium. Thousands of Bomber faithful packed the stadium to watch the Blue & Gold take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium on the Jumbotron. The evening also including entertainment by several local bands and a fireworks display following the game. A similar event is planned for the upcoming 2006 season.
For more information on the Never Alone program or to order Never Alone bracelets contact the Bomber office at (204) 784-2583 or check out the team's website at www.bluebombers.com.
Canadian Football League Stories from March 15, 2006
- Never Alone Foundation launched - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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- Grey Cup tickets go on sale - CFL
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