The DĂ©fi Canderel is an annual charity event that invites everyone to make donations for cancer research and ends with a celebratory run in Montreal. This fundraising helps to fund research projects so they can move forward and students can get a grant to pursue their studies.
As one of the beneficiaries of the , the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) gets all its members, from staff and PIs to students, involved in the fundraising. This year, the institute has decided to go with a superhero theme as a driver to reach their goal: 8000$CAD. They invite all members to join their team on DĂ©fi Canderel with the slogan:
“Join us on a run to beat cancer!”.
The Goodman Cancer Student Society (GCSS) is in charge of promoting the initiative through different kinds of events. Under the lead of the two co-captains, Capucine Magaut and Chuhan Feng, the fundraising will grow in 3 phases.
Phase I: Launching and gathering people to fundraise together.
“Be a hero. Support cancer research and make a difference.”
The first phase is the starting point of DĂ©fi Canderel promotion in the institute. All lab members and administrative staff are encouraged to participate in a one-afternoon thrift store event. This event not only aims to fundraise, but also promotes recycling/reuse through second-hand item selling. Why throw it away when it can still be used and make someone happy for a cheap price? This event can also be considered as a socializing event as it is a good opportunity to meet new people and maybe find someone who has similar taste in clothes, books, or decoration.
What: In-person fundraising event
When: Sale day on April 14th, 3pm - 5pm
Where: 5th floor of GCI building
The Lab Thrift Store event is a charitable initiative that encourages people to donate their gently-used items, rather than discarding them. At the event, people can bring their second-handed items that are still in good condition and sell them to raise money for cancer research.
The concept of the thrift store event is centered around reducing waste and promoting sustainability, while also raising funds for a good cause. It is a great opportunity for people to clear out their closets and homes of items they no longer need, and at the same time contribute to a worthwhile cause.The event also creates a sense of community spirit, as people come together to support the charity and each other.
To participate in the thrift store fundraising event, each laboratory is required to provide a , along with the prices they are asking. On the day of the event, labs must bring their items to sell at their designated booth and make an effort to raise funds through their sales.
The booth that generates the highest sales and raises the most funds will be declared the best seller and awarded a prize in recognition of their efforts. This prize creates a sense of excitement and friendly competition among the labs, while also encouraging them to put forth their best efforts to raise funds for the cause.
All profits from the sales go towards the . In addition, people can register their own fundraising profile on the DEFI Canderel website and join the team
Phase II: Step-wise fundraising campaign to acknowledge superheroes in research.
“Behind every cancer-free future is a superhero researcher.”
During the second phase, lab members are encouraged to nominate their lab heroes whose inspiring stories will be shared on the research institute's media. PI/Professors will also be asked to share their secret skills to make them 'research hero' in their field. This phase also involves recruiting runners and volunteers to support the cause.
The 'Lab superheroes Acknowledgement”' event is an opportunity for researchers to recognize the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a significant impact on their research. These superheroes may not always be the most well-known scientists or researchers, but their contributions are just as important in advancing science and ultimately, finding a cure for cancer.
The event encourages lab members, including students and PIs, to nominate their colleagues who have gone above and beyond to provide support, assistance, and inspiration throughout the research process. These superheroes may have helped with experiments, provided guidance on research techniques, or simply been a source of motivation and encouragement for their fellow researchers.
At the same time, for each new level reached in the fundraising ($2000, $4000, $6000 and $8000), one or two PIs will be invited to share their secret skills that make them superheroes in their research domain.
To participate in this event, simply fill out a Google form (nomination form) and mention who your superhero(es) is/are and why. Each nominated superhero will receive an acknowledgement sticker and their story will be shared on our social media platforms. The same Google form also serves for other purposes, including volunteer and runner recruitment for the DEFI Canderel Run Day and for T-shirt requests.
By recognizing these superheroes, we hope to encourage a culture of appreciation and gratitude in the research community. Research is a step-by-step and long journey, and our work relies on the contributions of many individuals. Through this event, we aim to inspire others to contribute in their own unique ways to the fight against cancer.
Phase III: Running against cancer.
“Together we can make cancer a thing of the past.”
Finally, the third phase is the actual 2km run day. This is an opportunity for all participants to come together and show their support for cancer research while having fun and enjoying the sense of community that comes with participating in a charity event.
What: In-person fundraising event
When: May 4th, 2023 (specific time) “May the 4th be with you” (It’s Star Wars day too!)
Where:ĚýPerceval Molson Stadium
D-Day! End of the fundraising campaign with the famous celebratory run.
This run symbolizes the fight against cancer and the challenge it represents. All registered runners will take part in the 2km run as GCI representatives, while some volunteers from the GCI will help the DĂ©fi Canderel organization with all the activities prepared for this day.
This day is not only about the run, it is also about gathering and sharing their own experience, either as a family patient or as a researcher.