Toronto, Ontario – With three days to go before hitting the mostly unpaved road, Jeff Flemington of global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young has already raised more than $63,000 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society – or, 115% of his goal. 

On May 24, Jeff will depart on his bike trip to honour his colleagues, Sarah Campbell and Kiana Kasaei, and their journeys with cancer. Over five weeks, Jeff’s own journey of grit and determination will take him along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route – 4,340 kilometres stretching between New Mexico, U.S., and Alberta, Canada, of which 90% is unpaved.  

Coined “Project 55” in honour of his age, Jeff’s solo trek will cross seven states and two provinces, starting in Antelope Wells and ending in Banff. This trek will raise 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. 

As a firm powered by people who make meaningful change, Avison Young is passionate about bringing together the commercial real estate community to support Jeff on his bike trip, and Kiana and Sarah on their journeys to defeat cancer. 

Supporters may donate to Project 55, managed through the Canadian Cancer Society. For every dollar donated, Project 55 has secured 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 track Jeff on the Strava app.

Quotes:

“I am thrilled to have surpassed our goal of $55,000 but we can’t stop there because every dollar raised will be matched at 50% thanks to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute – funds that will go toward research to find a cure to save lives so people can live healthier and longer without worry. I can’t wait to hit the road, to push myself to fight against the elements in honour of Sarah and Kiana, who fight every single day and are true inspirations for us all. Challenging myself to find a way to make a real difference, and to encourage our commercial real estate industry to join me in this initiative, has been incredible. I’m so grateful for everyone’s support and am amazed by how much enthusiasm everyone has shown.” – Jeff Flemington, Principal, Avison Young  

“I have learned that my journey is one of resilience and perseverance. It is also one of support and togetherness – it takes a village and it’s crucial to have a support team around you. This is an incredibly ambitious challenge Jeff has set for himself and it’s 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

“Together, we can create a world where no one lives in fear of losing their life to an illness they never chose. I am deeply grateful for Project 55 and Jeff Flemington for taking on this challenging journey to make the world a better place by uniting the commercial real estate community to raise awareness. The unwavering support as I navigate this new reality means more than words can express.” Kiana Kasaei, Associate, Office and Industrial Leasing, Avison Young

“Avison Young proudly supports Jeff, Kiana, and Sarah, as Jeff takes the bike ride of a lifetime to raise funds that will go toward combatting cancer – very real battles that courageous, determined people like Sarah and Kiana face daily. I strongly encourage our Avison Young and broader commercial real estate communities to come together as one to show their support and respect for this noble cause.” – 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 and wish him luck on his journey 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 are helping 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