Jim Abernethy Challenge marks 5th year fighting blood cancers

Canada’s property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry is once again stepping up to help fund critical research into treatments for the blood cancer community.  

Launched in 2021 by Marsh Canada, the annual Jim Abernethy Challenge, which takes place this September 8-26, is now in its 5^th year.

All funds raised are in support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, in memory of Jim.

Taking advantage of the competitive spirit for which the industry is known, the challenge is always friendly, pitting teams of up to 15 P&C industry professionals, along with friends and family members, from every corner of Canada.

Teams participate in their choice of physical challenge activities – including running, walking, cycling or other hours of movement.

The challenge’s namesake, Jim Abernethy, is described as a “charismatic lover of life” who made an impact on the lives of many industry peers. Abernethy was known to respond to challenges with the words, “I’m in.”

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The industry lost Abernethy, a former CFO at Marsh Canada, to Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma on Dec. 5, 2019, only three months after being diagnosed.

Fearless fundraising

This year, teams across the country will work together toward a $500,000 collective fundraising goal.

Over the past four years, the Jim Abernethy Challenge has raised $1,947,433. And, with confirmed sponsors for 2025, the fundraising total has officially surpassed $2 million.

For more information about the challenge, and to sign up, go to: Jim Abernethy Challenge – Light the Night.

Phil Porado

Phil, an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in financial topics, has been managing editor of Canadian Underwriter for more than three years.