Canadian Cancer Society encourages dry January and Ski 50 to raise funds and awareness

By Brandie Majeau
Annually, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) invites Canadians to join two
fundraising and awareness campaigns…Dry January and Ski 50. Both campaigns aim
to promote healthier lifestyles while raising critical funds to support cancer research and
services.
Dry January encourages individuals to go alcohol-free for the entire month. The
campaign serves a dual purpose, raising awareness about the established link between
alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, and encouraging individuals to adopt
healthier habits. Participants are invited to register on the CCS website, publicly commit
to 31 days without alcohol, and share their personal journeys online. By gathering
donations or pledges from friends, family, and colleagues, they help fund CCS’s vital
research, advocacy, and support programs for Canadians affected by cancer.
For those who prefer hitting the slopes, Ski 50 offers a different kind of challenge.
This winter-themed campaign invites participants to ski or snowboard a total of 50
kilometers (or an equivalent distance) over a set period. Like Dry January, Ski 50
combines personal achievement with philanthropy where those who sign up solicit
sponsorships for their efforts, with all proceeds supporting the Canadian Cancer
Society’s mission. By inviting winter sports enthusiasts to take part, Ski 50 also
encourages and promotes physical activity in months when an individual’s activity may
become more stagnant.  Funds raised through both campaigns help CCS invest in life-
saving research and provide vital support services to individuals and families affected
by cancer across the country.
Both Dry January and Ski 50 illustrate the Canadian Cancer Society’s
commitment to combining personal health goals with collective action. By signing up
(and completing the task), Canadians can challenge themselves, encourage
conversation about cancer prevention, and contribute to a future of reduced cancer risks
and more lives lived to the fullest.
Doug Kane, Director of Independent Fundraising at the Canadian Cancer Society
remarked on both campaigns, “Making a commitment to go alcohol-free for the month of
January while raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society is a great way for you to
support the cause and raise awareness about the long-term health risks associated with
drinking alcohol among your friends and family. And increasingly, our supporters have
told us they want more opportunities to take on meaningful challenges that encourage
healthy living and build a sense of community throughout the year. That’s why we
continue to introduce new and engaging ways for Canadians to get involved, like our

50km Ski Challenge starting in February, which brings people with a love for the winter
sport together to stay active while raising money to advance cancer research and fund
support programs. People can find all active social media fundraising challenges
at cancer.ca.” 
For more information or to register for either campaign, visit the Canadian
Cancer Society’s website. And if anyone missed Dry January, nothing stops a person
from trying out a Dry February or March.