- Amount raised moves Nokia closer to fundraising goal of
$1 million over 5 years
- Ottawa Redblacks, Ottawa Fury, Ottawa Senators' Chris
Phillips and MP Karen
McCrimmon all on hand to help raise funds and awareness
OTTAWA, May 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Nokia Ottawa and Coast to Coast Against Cancer
(CTCAC) have raised just over $119,000 for Candlelighters, a grassroots charity
that provides support programs and services to young cancer
patients and their families in the National Capital Region. Held
under a large tent at Nokia's Kanata campus, the company and CTCAC attracted
almost 70 cycling teams from both inside and outside the company,
making the event the region's largest Inside Ride.
The results from this event also move Nokia closer to its
fundraising target of $1 million over
five years. Candlelighters is currently supporting over 300
families dealing with childhood cancer and expects to grow that
number with an estimated 65 children in the Ottawa area being diagnosed this year. A
fundraising target of this magnitude could be a game changer for
the charity, which does not receive government funding and relies
completely on donations.
"We are so pleased with the Nokia Inside Ride!" said
Jocelyn Lamont, executive director
for Candlelighters Ottawa. "As a not-for-profit organization, we
are wholly reliant on the generosity of individuals and the
community, which Nokia has brought together for this spectacular
event. The Nokia Inside Ride ensures Candlelighters is able to
provide 100% of children diagnosed with cancer in the National
Capital Region with the support they need to cope with
this devastating disease. Thank you Nokia!"
Also on hand showing their support were players, employees and
mascots from the Ottawa Redblacks, Ottawa Fury and Ottawa Senators, including Senator's
defenseman Chris Phillips, who is
also honorary chairman for Candlelighters.
"The impact Candlelighters has on these kids is real. They offer
tangible support and services with sensitivity and compassion,"
said Phillips. "(My wife) Erin and I have been honorary co-chairmen
for the past 19 years and, when we see and hear from the kids who
directly benefit from Candlelighters, it makes us proud to know
we're doing our part to help make this organization even
stronger."
Childhood cancer affects one in 330 children. More than 250
newly diagnosed children have directly benefitted from the
tremendous support Candlelighters has received from Nokia Ottawa
since 2012.
"Nokia and the employees of this campus are fiercely dedicated
towards reaching the company's ambitious five-year fundraising
goal," said Andy Thompson, VP
ION Procurement, Nokia. "Our efforts are making a difference to
Candlelighters and the services they offer to families whose lives
have been turned upside down by cancer. We are pleased to be part
of the growth and look forward to the future of this remarkable
grass roots organization."
Families of children with cancer face overwhelming challenges
which affect their lives forever. To help them cope, Candlelighters
provides family, financial and educational support through programs
such as The CyberKids Program, Financial Support and a Bereavement
Support Group. Each program addresses the unique needs of young
cancer patients and provides families with real, tangible services
which have a positive impact in their lives.
Helpful Links:
Nokia Inside Ride Facebook page (for photos from the event) and
Twitter handle: @Nokiainsideride
Candlelighters website, Facebook page and Twitter handle:
@Candlelighters1
Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation website and Facebook
page
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people
and things. Powered by the innovation of Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is
at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that
are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives.
With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any
type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication
service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on
the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things.
http://nokia.com
SOURCE Nokia