The Foundation

Our Mission Statement

The Trust was established to offer financial assistance to those diagnosed with breast cancer across Canada. There can be many unforeseen expenses which public or private healthcare may not cover. We offer assistance to breast cancer patients in these situations to help make their fight with cancer a little less challenging.

A breast cancer diagnosis can come with many challenges. We are here to help and alleviate financial stress so you can focus on your recovery not financial burden.

The charity was originally formed out of a passion for snowmobiling, and an equal passion for helping those diagnosed with breast cancer during this crucial and stressful time.

Background

The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run initially was formed by two friends that bonded together to make a difference. When Kelly Shires was diagnosed with breast cancer she knew first-hand what it was like to battle this disease. Instead Kelly fought back. She teamed up with good friend Suzy Stenoff and created the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run for Fun. Collectively they worked to procure a charity license, promoted and organized the snowmobiling event for women and their goal was to help financial assist those diagnosed with breast cancer . They took a negative situation and made it the opportunity to make a positive impact. From two friends the charity has grown into a valued team of volunteers. Kelly’s hope was to eventually have a chapter in each province across the Country.

Unfortunately, Kelly Shires lost her 8 year battle with cancer in the fall of 2004. Suzy Stenoff, Co-founder, along with a dedicated Board of Directors and volunteer team, continues Kelly’s dream of helping women with their battle.

Over the years we have been able to help breast cancer patients with their financial battle against the disease. We have helped breast cancer patients from Coast to Coast and continue to make their battle a little less challenging.

We have found that we are able to broaden the scope of how breast cancer patients need help financially. It is always a difficult thing in any situation to admit that you need financial help. No one ever plans on getting ill or knows how an illness could potentially affect them and their family. There have been many insurance companies offering “critical illness” insurance for situations such as a cancer diagnosis but not everyone is aware of it or able to afford the coverage. In addition to loss of income due to inability to work or not qualifying for government assistance, there are expenses incurred by breast cancer patients in this financially trying time – this is why what we do is so important so the financial stress can be relieved and they can focus on getting well.

We have helped pay or paid for many items over the years. Some examples are:

(These are just some examples of how your donations help patients with breast cancer)

In 2022 we were able to help over 500 breast cancer patients.

Thank you for your support, none of this would be possible without your generosity.

About Kelly Shires

In the prime of her life, things could not have seemed any better. Kelly Shires, at 34 was happily married, was expecting her first child and was a successful business owner. What more could she ask for - the future was looking bright! Then tragedy struck, Christmas of 1996 Kelly found a lump on her breast. She immediately had it looked at to learn that she had breast cancer. Kelly was faced with continuous surgeries, the termination of her pregnancy, the loss of their business and ongoing chemotherapy.

Through those years and facing many challenges, Kelly had proven to be a very strong woman with a big heart. Her experiences had given her a new outlook on life and she decided that she wanted to help others diagnosed with breast cancer that may be facing many of the same challenges!

The idea to develop a Trust Fund to assist patients with breast cancer all started from a conversation with a great friend. The concept was born and the planning for the First Annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run For Fun was underway. The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run For Fun is a snowmobile ride, which raises money for The Snow Run Trust Fund. This Trust Fund has been set up to assist newly diagnosed women with expenses that extended health care programs do not cover. Kelly wanted the fundraiser to have the theme of “Women helping Women” which seemed to be a perfect fit with the sport of snowmobiling as Kelly was an avid snowmobiler and the numbers of female snowmobilers continues to climb.

What we do and why

There are many, many worthwhile events and organizations raising money in the name of cancer research, with the CIBC Run for the Cure and the Terry Fox Run being the most notable. The Snow Run is different. The Snow Run was formed out of a passion for snowmobiling, and an equal passion for helping women who truly needed help in a time of need. Through personal experience, the charity realized that battling for your life is a very tough challenge, with physical, emotional, mental and financial battles to overcome. In realizing this, we decided we wanted to help these women diagnosed with breast cancer in their fight. We help them purchase items that health insurance programs do not cover. Through the Charity and fundraising event we also strive to raise awareness for early detection and prevention of the disease.

Although the charity helps women year-round, the primary fund-raising event (a woman only snowmobile run) is held the first Saturday of every February. TheTraX4 Breast Cancer ATV ride takes place annual the at the end of April/beginning of May and the Fore the Love of Pink Golf Tournament takes place annually in June.

In 2014, our Quebec chapter joined forces with Ruban Rose to continue the program in the province of Quebec.

Moving forward

Since its inception, The Snow Run Trust Fund has supported many breast patients in their own unique situations while battling breast cancer. The money raised has assisted with the purchase of prosthetic breasts, special bras, wigs, hats, prescriptions, and many other items that relate directly to breast cancer. Contributions have also been made to cancer centers across the country to help assist with specific breast cancer programs. ---- The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run has come a long way in a very short time.

What happens with the Funds?

The requests are put before a committee and are thoroughly reviewed for approval of funds to be dispersed to an applicant, funds permitting. We may also donate money to cancer centres in hospitals to help support breast cancer programs if funding is available.

How funds are used

Over the years we have been able to help breast cancer patients with their financial battle against the disease. We have helped women in Canada from Coast to Coast and continue to make their battle a little less challenging.

We have found that we are able to broaden the scope of how breast cancer patients need help financially. It is always a difficult thing in any situation to admit that you need financial help. No one ever plans on getting ill or how an illness could potentially affect them and their family. Many insurance companies offer “critical illness” insurance for situations such as a cancer diagnosis but unfortunately many people are not made aware of this coverage until they are actually diagnosed and at that point it is too late for this coverage. In addition to loss of income due to inability to work or not qualifying for government assistance, there are expenses incurred by breast cancer patients in this financial trying time – this is why what we do is so important so the financial stress can be relieved and they can focus on getting well.

We have helped pay or paid for many items over the years. Some examples are:

(These are just some examples of how your donations help patients with breast cancer)

In 2018 we offered financial assistance to 526 breast cancer patients across Canada.

In 2019 we offered financial assistance to 786 breast cancer patients across Canada.

In 2020 we offered financial assistance to 514 breast cancer patients across Canada.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR GENEROSITY!

Annual Report 2021

Download the Foundation Annual Report 2021

Kelly Shires Legacy

KELLY SHIRES LEGACY

Life could not have been better. Kelly was 34 years old and with her husband Ken, they were running a successful dry land boat facility, the future was looking great. Suddenly around Christmas in 1996, Kelly found a lump in her breast. She saw the doctor the next day and it was quickly determined that she had breast cancer. This was one of the most emotional and difficult times of her life. Not only was she dealing with a life threatening illness, she was also pregnant with her first child. Within a week, Kelly had four surgeries, terminated the pregnancy and began six months of chemotherapy.

FORGING AHEAD

Ken & Kelly gave up their business in Mississauga. There were many reasons but the main one was her cancer diagnosis. They knew they had to make some changes, so they moved to a nice little residential area on Georgian Bay to begin a less hectic lifestyle. Kelly knew from the beginning of this journey that she was going to do something to help others with breast cancer. One thing she had discovered was that the costs for items not covered under extended health plans were financially burdensome. She knew first hand what it was like to deal with the emotional, mental and physical stress that breast cancer patients and their families are faced with, but adding the financial stress was overwhelming,

THE SNOW RUN IS BORN

One fall evening, Kelly’s good friend, Suzy Stenoff, visited Ken & Kelly for dinner. After dinner Kelly & Suzy were sitting on the deck over-looking Georgian Bay. They were discussing all of the challenges that Kelly had faced and was facing during her battle with breast cancer. They decided they wanted to change that for others. Kelly was determined to turn her diagnosis into something good! They first considered having a golf tournament, then could not hold back their laughter at how they would host a golf tournament when neither knew a thing about golf! As they continued to brainstorm this, Suzy noticed Kelly & Ken’s snowmobiles which were off to the side and covered. She asked Kelly about her passion for snowmobiling and just like that they idea for the Snow Run was formed. Kelly wanted the theme to be an all-women snowmobile ride – Women helping women! The concept would be to ride the trails and raise awareness at the same time raising funds to help financially assist those diagnosed with breast cancer. The first Snow Run (January 2000), the event was essentially “rained out”! However that did not stop the spirit if the women who still came out and helped raise $10,000. The event has continued to grow since and continues today.

THE FUTURE

October 31, 2004, Kelly lost her 8-year battle with breast cancer. She had faced her battle head on and through her passion, she had managed to enlist a great group of volunteers to carry her dreams forward. Kelly dreamed that one day there would be an event in each province, which has been a tough challenge. In 2006, with the determination of past Director, Isabelle Dusastre the Quebec Chapter was formed (in 2014 the Quebec chapter joined forces with Ruban Rose to help continue offering financial assistance in Quebec). In 2010, the Trax4 Breast Cancer ATV event held its inaugural event and continues strong today, this event is open to be male and female participants. In 2012 the first Fore the Love of Pink Golf tournament held its first event and has been growing each year. Since losing Kelly, the Board of Director’s continues to carry her dreams and legacy onward. Over the years, they charity has helped those diagnosed with breast cancer with a wide variety of necessary expenses, items ranging from home care, child counseling, prosthetics, wigs, hats and ore. Thank you for helping our applicants make the battle against cancer an easier one for them to fight. Together we ARE making a difference. In loving memory of an extraordinary woman who was determined to make the journey though breast cancer less challenging for others. Kelly wanted us to celebrate her life and we continue to do that through her dreams. Gone but never forgotten!

LET’S GO GIRLS!

Ground volunteers cheering ladies on

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Kelly & Suzy presenting an award to sponsor Doug Sagan of Facotory recreation

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Kelly at the 2003 Snow Run

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Kelly opening ceremonies 2004

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Ladies on the trail

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Ladies on the another trail

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Ontario Event Organizing Committee

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Participants showing support for their loved ones

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Assistance is available

The Snow Run for Fun Trust was established to help women who have been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. There are many unforeseen expenses you may face, and which your health insurance program may not cover. We provide assistance to women in these situations in order to make their fight with cancer a little less challenging. To discuss your personal situation in the utmost of confidence, please contact us directly at info@kellyshiresfooundation.org

Click here to download the English assistance criteria and application

Please mail completed English applications to P.O. Box 93366, RPO Yonge Mulock, Newmarket, Ontario L3X 1A3

ANY APPLICATION COMING FROM QUEBEC OR CONTAINING DOCUMENTS IN FRENCH/TOUTE DEMANDE VENANT DU QUÉBEC OU COMPORTANT DES DOCUMENTS EN FRANÇAIS poste C.P. 155, Poste Principal, Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z5

Cliquez ici pour télécharger le formulaire en français

ANY APPLICATION COMING FROM QUEBEC OR CONTAINING DOCUMENTS IN FRENCH/TOUTE DEMANDE VENANT DU QUÉBEC OU COMPORTANT DES DOCUMENTS EN FRANÇAIS poste C.P. 155, Poste Principal, Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z5

PLEASE NOTE THAT CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE IS REVIEWED ANNUALLY AND CHANGES MAY OCCUR. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE USING THE MOST CURRENT APPLICATION TO AVOID ANY DELAYS. WE ARE A VOLUNTEER BASED ORGANIZATION WITH NO PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT FUNDING, THE PROGRAM RUNS SOLELY ON THE GENEROUSITY OF OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS. APPLICATION DATE WILL BE NOTED AS THE DATE RECEIEVED BY THE CHARITY

Questions

Can you help people diagnosed with other types of cancer?

Answer: We can only help women/men diagnosed with breast cancer due to the government guidelines surrounding the Charity.

I have breast cancer and need financial assistance, how do I apply?

Answer: There is a simple application form that you can download from the website and send to our office with the appropriate documents. If there is any additional information required we will let you know.

I have made an application to the Charity, what happens next?

Answer: Your application is processed in strict confidence. The information is reviewed by a Committee that ensures that the application fits within the Charity guidelines.

How long does it normally take to be notified if I will be receiving financial assistance?

Answer: On average, once a completed application along with all required documents are received you should be notified within a week, This time frame is an estimate and can vary from application to application depending on circumstances. We send responses by Canada Post and sometimes there are delays.

I have been notified that I am eligible for financial assistance through your program, how long will it take to receive this help?

Answer: Once the application has been processed and approved by the Committee the financial aid will be sent to you as quickly as possible, most applicants receive funds within one week.