Hydro One Partners with Coast To Coast Against Cancer To Raise Over $118,000 For Childhood Cancer

TORONTO - Sept. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Markham and Toronto – Hydro One employees recently participated in one of the most successful Inside Ride events, raising more than $118,000 in support of childhood cancer support programs in Ontario. The event was held simultaneously at Hydro One locations in Markham and downtown Toronto, linked by live video and audio feeds.

“This was truly a great event and an outstanding result,” said Mike Winters, Senior Vice President Engineering & Construction for Hydro One.  “We see this as both raising money for a very important cause as well as a way to bring together our people to show their spirit, drive and willingness to help out in the communities where we live and work.”

“With September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it’s so gratifying to see this level of support and commitment by Hydro One toward helping children with cancer,” said Jeff Rushton, Founder, Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. “Since 2003, we have raised and distributed more than $30 million in support of programs that improve the survival rate and quality of life of children impacted by cancer.”

“Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation and The Inside Ride have provided crucial funding support for two of Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)’s most in-demand services: our financial assistance to families, and our education and vocational counselling for young cancer survivors”, said Dr. David Malkin, POGO’s Medical Director. “Childhood cancer is a complex disease with wide-ranging and long-term effects. Coast to Coast’s visionary support ensures that kids and families can focus on what they need to most during treatment: the child’s health.  Likewise, support from Coast to Coast ensures that the late effects of childhood cancer don’t stand in the way of the education and career goals of young adult survivors”.

“With fundraising of over $118,000, this Hydro One Inside Ride event is one of the most successful corporate Inside Ride events that we have ever run,” said Jenn Davies, Inside Ride Program Manager for Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. “This will go a long way toward helping children with cancer and their families all over Ontario.”

The Inside Ride (www.theinsideride.com) is an indoor cycling challenge that raises funds in support of families and children with cancer. This turn-key fundraising and teambuilding program enables high schools, universities, community groups and corporations to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer programs. Funds go to community-based family support programs, research scholarships and other areas which help inspire hope and improve the quality of life and health outcomes of children and their families impacted by cancer. Participants form teams of six riders to share the work of riding a stationary bike for one hour. It is a high energy and fun team-building experience, with great music, costumes and plenty of encouragement from team members. Funds are raised by participants’ individual donations and sponsorships from friends, family and colleagues. Awards and recognition are given to top individual and team fundraisers, as well as for team spirit and best costumes. With 125 Inside Ride events per year across Canada, the program has raised and distributed over $7 million to support children with cancer and their families. In addition to The Inside Ride, the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation also runs a number of other programs dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer.

About Hydro One

Hydro One delivers electricity safely, reliably and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario and owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 122,000 km low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.3 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario.

About Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

As Canada’s only national charity devoted to fighting childhood cancer, Coast To Coast Against Cancer ensures 100% of receiptable funds raised go toward improving the survival rate and quality of life of children and their families impacted by cancer. Funds are raised by conducting memorable events that encourage active and healthy lifestyles. From cycling rides to team-building activities, children across the country benefit from the generous support of our sponsors, participants, donors and volunteers. www.beyondkidscancer.ca

Contacts

For Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation: Ron Mitchell, ron.mitchell@ctcacf.org

For Hydro One: Hydro One Media Relations, 416-345-6868