The Canary Foundation tagline is very clear: Stopping cancer early = the best possible investment. This is a core belief for Canadian technology success Don Listwin, and the key motivating factor underscoring the work of his family foundation, which he has made his second career. The Canary Derby is a way we can all get involved. In a unique play on words and ideas, the Canary in question relates to ‘the canary in the mine shaft’ concept of ‘early detection and warning’.

After the loss of his Mother to misdiagnosed ovarian cancer, Don discovered that most of the money spent on cancer research in North America was invested in treatment options as opposed to early detection. He has committed his time, energy and considerable resources – his personal network being high on the list – to turning that around. His goal is to connect “the very best cancer researchers with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists so that their breakthroughs will have the best chances of saving lives.” To that end, Don has gathered an exceptional group of scientific and business leaders on his team.

Five years ago, this gave rise to The Canary Derby, a soap-box-derby styled race to raise funds for cancer research.

“Canary Derby cars are built by corporate or private teams and are unpowered, relying completely upon gravity. We provide a guideline for the construction of cars, then you build and race them! Each team pledges and raises money—all to support cancer early detection.” This brings together teams of competitors and rivals, competing in two races, one in Victoria in June and the other in Vancouver on September 25th.

One of those teams, in early years, was sponsored by Vancouver tech company Webnames.ca, which is how Cybele Negris first came to be involved. One of the most dedicated and hardworking businesswomen I know, Cybele puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and this year’s Canary Derby is no exception. Now chairing the Event Organizing Committee, Cybele tells me their goal is to best the 2009 mark of $242,000 (every penny of which goes directly to research).

You will find Cybele and her colleagues, along with competitors from eleven other teams, at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby for a fun-filled day in this family-friendly space. Mark September 25th on your calendar now – you don’t want to miss it!