Think pink, York University!
That’s what the York University Bookstore, york is U and a myriad of community volunteers are hoping will happen tomorrow when they launch their Spirit in Pink fundraising campaign.
Organized by Canadian Campus Retail Associates, the campaign involves 22 campus bookstores from across Canada as participants in the fundraising campaign. Throughout the month of October, the York University Bookstore will sell black T-shirts with a pink ribbon graphic for $10 each. The bookstore has a goal of raising $10,000 for breast cancer research.
Sales kick off Oct. 1 to 3 with information and sales tables at locations around the Keele campus. Student volunteers from York’s student alumni group, york is U, and the college councils are participating in the campaign. The T-shirts will have "York Cares" and the pink breast cancer ribbon printed on the front. The campaign’s October run coincides with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"Breast cancer does not affect just the old," said Carole Carpenter, professor of humanities, Faculty of Arts. Carpenter, a folklorist and former master of Vanier College has been an active participant in raising community awareness about breast cancer.
"We all know someone diagnosed with the disease or have lost a friend or family member because of it," said Carpenter. "This campaign gives us another opportunity to show our support for all those affected."
In addition to York University, the 21 university bookstores participating in the program are: Brock University, Concordia University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, University of Calgary, Ryerson University, Vancouver Island University, University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Grant MacEwan College, McMaster University, University of Manitoba, McGill University, Mount Royal College, University of Western Ontario, Guelph University, University of Saskatchewan, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo and Thompson Rivers University.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, with about 431 women diagnosed every week. In 2008, an estimated 22,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with about 5,300 dying. In young adults, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cancer cause of death. Sadly, while breast cancer rates have recently been declining somewhat overall, more and more young people are losing their lives to very aggressive forms of the disease.
Established in 1986, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. The foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.