Chalk River, 2006 June 07 — Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) has been recognized by the Canadian Cancer Society as recipient of this year’s Community Partner Award. The award was presented to Donna Roach, Site and Community Affairs Manager, AECL, as part of the Relay for Life ceremony, held last Friday at Dundonald Hall in Petawawa.

Sporting their blue T-shirts of HOPE and joining Survivor Chair, Donna Roach, in the tree dedication sponsored this year by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, are proud AECL employees and cancer survivors (from the left): Anne Audet, Kimberly Smyth, Deborah Leeder, Debbie McGilligan, Judy Hill and Cathy Lance.

“The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence in individuals or groups in community fundraising,” said Bob French, Renfrew County Unit President of the Canadian Cancer Society, and presenter of the award. “The community partner strives to involve their members and/or the community in their efforts to raise funds for cancer research and the Society’s programs and services.”   
                

“AECL has been a long time supporter and friend of our Relay For Life event. We are pleased to honour them with this award tonight.”

“The award was not something we were expecting,” says Mrs. Roach. “I was completely surprised. I think all AECL employees should take this as a big pat on the back, and be proud to be recognized supporters of such a great cause. This is something we achieved together.”

AECL has been intimately involved with the Relay For Life since its inception seven years ago through sponsorships, event organization and promotion, staff participation as Relay members and through generous pledges and donations from employees.  AECL was also the sponsor of this year’s ‘Survivor Tree,’ planted in honour of cancer survivors.

Overall the Relay for Life was a huge success. The event raised $275,000, and had approximately 1400 participants, 215 of which were cancer survivors. More than 2700 luminaries were sold.

“We are so happy and thankful to have such support from AECL,” says Kathy Kennedy, Renfrew County Unit Manager of the Canadian Cancer Society. “We look forward to their support next year and into the future. We could not enjoy this kind of success without their continued involvement.”

About AECL

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a full service nuclear technology company providing services to nuclear utilities around the world. Established in 1952, AECL is the designer and builder of CANDU technology including the CANDU 6, one of the world’s top performing reactors.

AECL’s 4,000 employees deliver cutting edge nuclear services, R&D support, design and engineering, construction management, specialized technology, waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactor products. We work in partnership with our customers to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions. More information on AECL and CANDU technology can be found at www.aecl.ca. 

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For more information, contact:

Dawn Marrs
Site and Community Affairs Coordinator, AECL
Tel.: 613-584-8283
Email:  marrsd@aecl.ca