It was cold and snowy, but that didn’t stop more than 8,000 Calgarians from coming out and making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Yesterday’s CIBC Run for the Cure, put on by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, is the largest single-day fundraising event dedicated to breast cancer research, education and awareness.

“It’s because of people like you, and what you’re doing today, that I can stand before you as an eight-year breast cancer survivor,” spokesperson Brenda Moon  told the crowd.

Canadians in 56 sites across the country woke up early to walk or run one or five kilometres. 

In Calgary, people of all ages and athletic abilities donned pink wigs, bras, hats and scarves for the occasion with the goal of raising $1.8 million. In the end, nearly $1.25 million was collected in Calgary.

“This is the next best thing to a wig,” said volunteer Kathy Jones, as she coloured her hair with pink hairspray. 

Two-time gold-medal winner Catriona Le May Doan brought her daughter to the event and spoke about her hopes for future generations being free from breast cancer.

“We’re out here for one cold morning so that these men and women who fight this battle every day know that there’s a ray of light,” Le May Doan said.

Ald. Ric McIver was also moved by the gathering.

“This is one of the things that makes the city a great place,” McIver said, as many cheered. “It’s people helping each other out.”

One in nine women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, but with innovations being made in treatment, the five-year survival rate is 87 per cent.