The University will trade its iconic red colour for a day of orange as Brock gears up for the annual Rankin Cancer Run.

On Tuesday, April 23, the Brock community is encouraged to support the fight against cancer by wearing the colour of the Rankin Cancer Run and joining President Gervan Fearon for a one-hour coffee break in the Goodman School of Business Atrium from 11 a.m. to noon.

During the event, which will feature coffee, tea and pastries, there will be a chance to donate directly to the Rankin Run, as well as to sign up for Brock’s team that will participate on Saturday, May 25.

Since 2006, the run has raised nearly $9 million, with all funds going directly to local cancer organizations.

Brock continues to sponsor the popular local event, and Fearon hopes the University will show its support for a good cause by taking part in the coffee event and run itself.

“Brock is committed to the Rankin Run because we care about and support the efforts of all participants in making the Niagara region a caring, compassionate and inclusive community for all,” he said.

Fearon helped with this year’s Rankin Run awareness campaign. He and wife Kathy Moscou joined Niagara College President Dan Patterson and others in having their photos taken for the event’s promotional poster.

“As a cancer survivor, the Rankin Run is very near and dear to me,” he said. “I know the efforts of all the volunteers and participants greatly affect the quality of life and the outcomes for so many individuals dealing directly with cancer. It lets their loved ones and supporters know that others stand beside them, as well.”

Mary Ann Edwards (BPhed ’76, BEd ’77), run director and Brock’s 2014 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient, said the University has committed to supporting the run from the beginning.

“We are so deeply grateful for Brock’s involvement with our event since our first run 14 years ago,” she said. “The spirit and enthusiasm shines through every single year as Brock University students and staff proudly share their hearts. This year is definitely no exception.”

Edwards also said the University provides an example for younger elementary and high school students in Niagara.

“The students care deeply about making a huge difference in our own region,” she said. “The young students tremendously respect the Brock University students and one day aspire to be just like them.

“It shows we are all on the same page and working together as one giant compassionate and caring team.”

Registration for this year’s run, which starts in Grantham Lions Park in St. Catharines, will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a mini sprint for children five and under at 9:30 a.m., the one- and five-kilometre runs at 10 a.m. and a complimentary barbecue at 11:45 a.m.

Those interested in contributing to Brock’s 2019 Rankin Cancer Run fundraising efforts are encouraged to wear orange and attend the coffee break on April 23, and sign up for the May 25 run online by following the steps below:

• Go to rankincancerrun.com
• Click the green “Register” button
• Scroll down, and click “Register as a team member”
• Enter “Brock University” into the “Team” search field, then click “Submit”
• Fill out all the fields with your information, then click “Submit”
• Select your method of payment

For further questions about the coffee event on April 23 or the 2019 Rankin Cancer Run, contact Student Life and Community Experience at x6321 or studentlife@brocku.ca