A purple wave at the BMO Ride for Cancer
Nova Scotia has the highest cancer rates in Canada, touching nearly every family in some way. Whether through a diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or the daily fight of someone close, it’s a reality that makes cancer care feel personal to almost everyone in the province.
Organized by the QEII Health Sciences Foundation, the BMO Ride for Cancer brings together thousands of riders of all levels with a common goal to transform local cancer care. In 2024, riders and supporters raised $2.56 million, helping to fund liquid biopsy technology. This revolutionary tool uses a simple blood test to help determine whether a patient's cancer is cured after surgery and if not, how best to treat it, sparing patients from unnecessary treatments, improving survival rates through earlier detection of cancer recurrence, and keeping care closer to home.
On September 27, our colleagues rode together as team Purple Peloton. While our colleagues have been involved for nearly ten years, in 2024 they made the biggest impact to date, raising $74,216 and placing fourth amongst other corporate teams. If our colleagues weren’t riding on the trails, they made it rain purple, cheering from the sidelines or participating in office fundraisers. We also sponsored the first Family Fun Zone, a space hosted by 18 Doane Grant Thornton volunteers, where spectators created signs for their loved ones as they crossed the finish line, took part in fun giveaways, and played games.
Sean Stager, Senior Manager, Transactions, Halifax, shares:
The BMO Ride for Cancer, and the fundraising initiatives leading up to the event, have become a tradition across the Nova Scotia Business Unit. Waves of excitement are felt throughout the offices as colleagues dye their hair purple or compete in tricycle races, spreading the message that hope is never lost when we ride together for something greater than ourselves.
Hope and healing aren’t just medical, they’re emotional, communal, and deeply human. And when we ride together, fundraise together, and support each other, cancer care is stronger, better, and more widely available.
Mississauga colleagues connect with a local food bank
Helping our neighbours in downtown Toronto
Keeping Kamloops moving with People In Motion
