The Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) has paired (pun intended) with high-quality men’s wear company Collins Clothiers for a national Sock Design Contest. This fun and creative challenge invites Canadians to design a unique pair of socks in support of life-saving breast cancer research. The deadline for submission is March 6 and the two winning sock designs will be produced and sold across Canada, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to BCSC. The winners will also have a $1,500 donation made in their name to their local cancer research centre. We chatted Kimberly Carson and Curt Collins of the BCSS and Collins Clothiers, respectively, to learn more. —Vita Daily
Hello! Please give a brief overview of your organization and its mission.
The Breast Cancer Society of Canada, (BCSC) is a registered, national non-profit charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research since 1991. We raise money to fund patient-focused research for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Our mission: to save lives through breast cancer research. Our vision: an end to breast cancer. Collins Clothiers is a third-generation run, family-owned, locally operated business. As Canada’s largest independent formal wear company, they strive to be the best in the industry offering only the most modern men’s wear. Collins takes pride in knowing the quality of their suits far exceeds expectations. From formal to everyday apparel, they provide high-end men’s wear for every budget.
What is the Sock Design Contest?
The Breast Cancer Society of Canada has partnered with Collins Clothiers for a national Sock Design Contest in support of life-saving breast cancer research. Canadians are invited to design a unique pair of socks using the official sock design template and their tool of choice, whether it is crayons or a digital program. Submissions can be uploaded here and the deadline is March 6, 2022.
How does this contest support Canadians in their fight against breast cancer?
The two winners will have their designs produced by Collins Clothiers and sold across Canada, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to life-saving breast cancer research. In addition to receiving a prize pack, winners will also have a $1,500 donation made in their name to their local cancer treatment centre, and up to 20 finalists will have a $100 donation made. These donations fund Canadian researchers who are passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer.
What type of research will this initiative support?
The money raised supports patient-focused research for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Society of Canada provides funding for researchers in cancer centres, universities and laboratories across the country who share our vision of an end to breast cancer and work every day supporting our mission to save lives through breast cancer research. Through research, we have learned there are more than 50 types of breast cancer and that every breast cancer patient is different. So, our focus is on translational research – working closely with physicians to develop personalized medicines, also known as “precision oncology.” Precision oncology allows patients to receive an accurate diagnosis, and have a personalized treatment plan, potentially avoiding unnecessary treatments such as chemotherapy developed for their specific type of breast cancer. This offers new hope to patients and their families. BCSC receives no government funding—all of our research is funded through the generosity of our donors.
Why is this contest important?
Kimberly: Last year, the World Health Organization declared breast cancer to be the most diagnosed cancer in the world. More than 27,700 Canadians will be diagnosed this year alone. Survival rates have improved over the last 20 years, but there is still more to do. Only through research will we find a cure; Research Matters.
Why did Collins Clothiers partner with BCSC?
Curt: Breast cancer research is near and dear to my heart and our company’s core value is to always support and give back to the communities we’re part of, so partnering with BCSC just makes sense for Collins Clothiers. Their creativity in engaging Canadians with our product combined with their fundraising efforts around Million Steps to Mother’s Day is the perfect fit.
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