Avison Young’s Jeff Flemington bikes 4,352 kilometres across North America to raise nearly $100,000 in support of Canadian Cancer Society

Toronto, Ontario – Jeff Flemington of global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young has completed his four-week trek across North America, raising nearly $100,000 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society – or 182% of his goal. And, he biked faster than expected! 

Between May 24 and June 24, Jeff applied sheer grit and determination to bike 4,352 kilometres (km) – the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest six times. He did this along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, mostly unpaved terrain between New Mexico, United States, and Alberta, Canada. Jeff’s original plan was to wrap up on July 3, but he successfully completed his trip in Banff, Alberta, a week ahead of schedule.

Jeff’s trip honours his Avison Young colleagues, Sarah Campbell and Kiana Kasaei, and their journeys with cancer. Coined “Project 55” in honour of his age, Jeff’s solo trek crossed seven states and two provinces, starting in Antelope Wells and ending in Banff. This trek raised funds for research to cure Anaplastic Astrocytoma (Stage III brain cancer) and invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) – two cancers that have impacted Kiana and Sarah. 

Avison Young enthusiastically supported Jeff and the Project 55 team along the way, encouraging the commercial real estate community to support him, and to support Kiana and Sarah on their journeys to defeat cancer. 

Supporters may still donate to Project 55, managed through the Canadian Cancer Society. For every dollar donated, Project 55 secures a 50% matching program through the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto (brain cancer) and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto (breast cancer). 

Learn more about Project 55 and check out the Avison Young Canada LinkedIn page to see some of Jeff’s videos posted throughout his journey.
 

Quotes:

“I am thrilled to have raised just under $100,000 – surpassing our original goal of $55,000 by 182% – and this outpouring of support shows just how strongly we all believe in finding a cure to save lives so people can live healthier and longer without worry. There is not enough thanks in the world for everyone who donated and for the encouragement from the 50% matching programs at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. While I was biking every day, fighting against fatigue, my willpower, and the elements, I kept reminding myself about honouring Sarah and Kiana. They – and people like them who fight every day – are the real inspirations.” – Jeff Flemington, Principal, Avison Young  

“Jeff took on an incredibly ambitious challenge that he set for himself, and I am in awe to see him complete it – and one whole week early! It was an honour to be involved and an opportunity to help organizations that have supported me during my cancer journey.” – Sarah Campbell, Team Lead, Client Services, Avison Young

“Congrats to Jeff on successfully completing such a grueling month – in my name and in Sarah’s name. I am deeply grateful to Jeff Flemington for taking on this journey to make the world a better place. This means more than words can express.” – Kiana Kasaei, Associate, Office and Industrial Leasing, Avison Young

“Avison Young congratulates Jeff’s journey across North America, in support of Kiana and Sarah – and we proudly stood behind him to raise funds in the fight against cancer. These are very real battles that brave people like Sarah and Kiana face daily. I am so proud that our Avison Young and broader commercial real estate community came together to embrace this noble cause by raising just under $100,000 – bravo to all!” – Mark Fieder, Principal and President, Avison Young Canada

“On behalf of researchers, doctors, volunteers, caregivers and staff at Canadian Cancer Society, we would like to thank Jeff Flemington for successfully journeying across the Great Divide. Two in 5 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and it is estimated that 247,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer this year, which means that approximately 28 people are being diagnosed with cancer every hour. Thanks to the amazing support of individuals like Jeff, we are able to continue our mission and help hope bloom! By supporting Jeff in his journey and donating towards Canadian Cancer Society, you helped fund world leading research impacting brain and breast cancer. Dr. Zadeh and Dr. Langille’s projects are helping change the future of cancer and by supporting Jeff’s Fundraiser you are becoming a part of that change!" – Isabella Singh, Supporter Engagement Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society