Rawlco Radio awarded for championing Sask. breast cancer research

A record-breaking year for the C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research garnered a community service award Friday from the Western Association of Broadcasters.

Last October, the station raised a record $425,937 during the annual 12-hour radiothon.

The annual radiothon started in the year 2000 when C95 morning show host Lisa Rendall received a breast cancer diagnosis. Fundraising efforts that first year resulted in over $100,000 for breast cancer research. In the years since, the Rawlco Radio campaign has brought in more than $6.3 million, with 100 per cent of the proceeds staying in Saskatchewan.

“Each year, our staff put in hundreds of hours to ensure this event is a success. It truly is a team effort with incredible benefits to our community,” said Rawlco Radio executive vice-president Kristy Werner.

Nora Yeats, Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan CEO, credits the radio marathon for improved treatments and progress associated with breast cancer research in the province.

“We would not be where we are today without community-focused businesses such as yours,” she wrote.

“Because of research, the five-year net survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is now at 89 percent and, if caught early, is almost 100 percent,” Yeats said.

The Community Service Award highlights impactful contributions made by radio and television broadcasters in markets with populations over 150,000 in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. This is Rawlco Radio’s fifth time receiving this award.

C95 is one of three Rawlco Radio stations in Saskatoon.