Charitable giving and fundraising for social good have been all over social media lately. For a couple of different reasons I’ve decided to take part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. And while breast cancer hasn’t touched my family, this event is definitely something I support. I love their focus on healthy living, women’s health with a push for regular breast cancer screening and examinations, and the support they provide for women and their families.

Each year, tens of thousands of Canadians participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure and help to raise funds for important breast cancer research, health education, and advocacy initiatives. But what I love even more than the good they do with the funds raise is that tens of thousands of Canadians get moving. Multi-generations of family members are inspired the leave the couch and walk or run, all for a great cause.

These mass fitness fundraisers, like the CIBC Run for the Cure, are the perfect gateway to a healthy lifestyle. Something I’ve seen in my own family, as my in-laws 5 years ago participated in a walk, and have since participated in 5 5km races. Something they might not have been interested in, but the party atmosphere and supportive environment of events like the CIBC Run for the Cure showed them they could do it, and inspired them to do it again and again.

One in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime. So regardless of whether you know someone now, the research shows that you will, so let’s not forget the main focus of the CIBC Run for the Cure, and walk to support women’s health. Join me and register to walk or run, donate or volunteer, and be sure to join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.