Posted: April 19, 2005

Athletics: New Balance expands ties to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation with "Lace Up for the Cure?"

The return of the $500,000 fundraising shoe

TORONTO, April 19 /CNW/ - New Balance Canada Inc. invites Canadians to Lace Up for the Cure to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). Between April 1 and June 30, 2005, New Balance will make a $5 donation to the CBCF for every purchase made from their Pink Ribbon Footwear Collection.

The Pink Ribbon Collection includes a range of running and walking shoes, plus a white version of the popular 801slip-on. "The 801 slide, in black, was a prize for everyone who raised at least $801 in 2004," says Jonathan Ram, General Manager of New Balance Canada. "This shoe was responsible for an additional $500,000 in donations last year and we're hoping for as enthusiastic a response this year."

A national sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure(R), New Balance has expanded its commitment to the CBCF with this program, which can bring its donation from a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $40,000. New Balance Canada's partnership with CBCF supports research funding and promotes awareness of breast cancer. Through the New Balance Women's Challenge, the company provide prizes for the top women's fundraising team at each Run for the Cure site. New Balance also sponsors Running Room/New Balance Survivor Clinics, which provide more than 500 breast cancer survivors the opportunity to train with the Running Room for the 5K or 1K walk/run event as well as network and receive support.

"New Balance continues to demonstrate its commitment to our cause by looking at innovative ways to engage their consumers and retailers through sponsorship of our important community-based events and cause marketing initiatives, such as Lace Up for the Cure," says Trish Krause, National Director, Marketing and Communications, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. "The expansion of this partnership is a win for everyone: New Balance, the Foundation and most of all those Canadians touched by breast cancer, as New Balance(1)s support will enable us to raise even more money for research and education programming".

In addition, in 2005, gift with purchase programs will be offered by participating retailers. For Mother's Day, Pink Ribbon socks will be featured and pink shoelaces will be available in June. Retailers across Canada include New Balance stores, Running Room locations and independent retailers. "We have been delighted with the CBCF partnership and are excited to be able to expand its visibility to retail locations," adds Ram.

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure and kids. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. Dunham an outdoor performance brand known for its technologies, innovations and development of footwear that is lightweight, comfortable and inspired by the world outside. New Balance acquired the rights to the PF Flyers brand in February 2000. First introduced in 1937 by the B.F. Goodrich Company, PF Flyers was re-launched in Spring 2003 as an authentic brand of active casual footwear. Aravon(R) comfort performance brand footwear debuted in January 2004 as an unsurpassed blend of fit, comfort, support and style. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,600 people around the globe and in 2004 reported worldwide sales of $1.5 billion. For more information please visit www.newbalance.com.