Assumption Life’s Bobby Orr Benefit Golf Tournament passes the $1-million mark
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Assumption Life hit a hole in one with its 10th annual Bobby Orr Benefit Golf Tournament at the Fox Creek Golf Club in Dieppe, bringing the total funds raised for the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) – one of the Atlantic Provinces’ leading biomedical research facilities – to over $1 million. The amount represents the largest contribution to a single charity that the company has made in its more than 100-year history.
This year’s tournament, which was held on Thursday, August 9, 2012, generated $156,000 in proceeds, including $56,000 raised during the auction. "Just think about it – over the past 10 years, this event has raised more than a million dollars. That’s quite the achievement, especially in a decade marked by daunting economic challenges," said Denis Losier, President and CEO of Assumption Life.
Tremendous support from the business community
"This tournament is a great example of the amazing things that can be accomplished when the business and healthcare communities work together. We are very proud of the outcome," Mr. Losier explained. "This annual event has helped fuel ACRI’s growth and bring attention to its work. With the funds raised over the past decade, the Institute has been able to draw world-class talent to Moncton to make remarkable progress in the fight against cancer."
As a result of these efforts, ACRI has made a number of significant breakthroughs, particularly in terms of gene expression profiling and novel targeting mechanisms. These advances are the basis for new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director of ACRI, was on hand to accept the cheque from Bobby Orr. "The fight against cancer is an ongoing one for people living with the disease, as well as the researchers who are striving to find effective, permanent cures. Your financial support is a vital contribution to the Institute’s efforts, day in and day out, and we are very grateful for your support," said Dr. Ouellette.
A hugely popular event
Former NHL player and star defenceman for the Boston Bruins Bobby Orr once again served as honorary chair of the tournament, which was attended by 224 golfers members of the business community from across the country, at the invitation of co-chairs Denis Losier, President and CEO of Assumption Life, and Larry Nelson, President of Lounsbury. The event has grown so popular that the tournament was fully booked within a month after Assumption Life sent out the invitation in March.
The initiative is a joint effort of Assumption Life and the Lounsbury Group with the help of General Motors. "We are extremely fortunate to have benefited from such a strong source of support for local cancer research since the very beginning of our tournament – especially that of our honoray chair Bobby Orr, our special guest Russ Howard and all of our golfers, sponsors and volunteers. It just shows how many people out there, like us, support this cause and believe in the Institute’s work," Mr. Losier added.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 1998. With its ultramodern facilities, ACRI has become a true centre for excellence in cancer research. The three main areas of development being pursued by the Institute’s scientists are early detection, enhanced diagnosis and targeted treatment. Its multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 people have expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, immunology, synthetic and organic chemistry, pathology, mass spectrometry and in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is contributing to the global research effort aimed at combatting cancer.
Assumption Life’s Bobby Orr Golf Tournament represents the sense of community commitment that drives Assumption Life. The company and its employees are actively involved in their communities in addition to contributing to a broad range of fund-raising campaigns, including United Way and the Tree of Hope.
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Information:
Marie-Jos ée Plourde
Communications Agent
Assumption Life
Tel.: 506-853-5583
