News Flash! Location and Date of the Vancouver Canary Derby

Vancouver Canary Derby
Sunday, September 21st, 2008
Gas Town

The first annual Vancouver Canary Derby will be an event like no other for local technology companies. On Sunday September 21, 2008, the streets of Gastown will come alive as the setting for the "Race to the Steamclock" – all benefiting the BC Cancer Agency.

Vancouver technology companies are being challenged to design and build the fastest, the slickest, and the most innovative soapbox car on the track. Each team will have its own pit crew, and CEOs will have the chance to go head-to-head and challenge their rivals in a race to the finish. With nothing but a big ramp and gravity to propel their car, teams will have to use their engineering prowess and driving precision to be first to cross the line at our historic Steamclock. View the list of teams.

The Canary Derby will be a great team building event and a lot of fun for people of all ages. Teams and their families and friends are invited to wach the racing action and enjoy a barbecue, music and children's activities in a festival atmosphere. View the location and schedule.

Fundraising Goal
The Canary Derby will raise money for the Canary Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding early cancer detection and intervention, which will bedonated to the BC Cancer Foundation to support early cancer detection research. Our goal is to raise $500,000 in Vancouver over the next three years to support work at the BC Cancer Agency right here in Vancouver.

Two Foundations - One Fight Against Cancer
The BC Cancer Foundation received a $1-million donation and a challenge from California- based Don Listwin, a 25-year-veteran in the high-tech industry, for an ambitious research project that he hopes will produce a simple, life-saving blood test by the end of the decade. Mr. Listwin made the donation through Canary Foundation, which he founded after his mother's death from ovarian cancer. The mission of Canary Foundation is to advance early detection of cancer, when it is most treatable and chances for a full recovery are greatest. Read the Foundation's history.

What is happening in early detection cancer research?
For many types of cancer, it is easier to treat and cure the cancer if it is found early. There are many different types of cancer, but most cancers begin with abnormal cells growing out of control, forming a lump or tumour. The tumour can continue to grow until the cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body. If the tumour can be found while it is still small and localized, it can often be cured by surgery and other standard treatments.

BC cancer researchers are collaborating with a group of leading scientists from the United States to develop a rapid and accurate immunoassay that will detect ovarian cancer at an early stage, when it is still highly curable.

Your support of BC Cancer Foundation is making a difference!

Lots of Volunteer Opportunities
Derby Race day is a very busy day and we are always looking for people to volunteer to assist. Check back later for more detailed information on the volunteer opportunities. Currently we willl need volunteers to assist with setting up the track the night before the big event. We will also need volunteers on the day of the event to collect donations, sell 50/50 tickets, organize and supervise kids activities, flip hamburgers, sell and take tickets, and assist with a multitude of other activities.

Corporate Sponsorship

Event sponsorship is being coordinated by BC Cancer Foundation. Click here for more information on sponsorship packages.

Make a Donation