Five-week trek from New Mexico to Alberta to raise $55,000 for brain and breast cancers

Toronto, Ontario – On May 24, 2025, Jeff Flemington, of global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young, will bike across more than 4,000 kilometres of mostly unpaved terrain on a journey of grit, determination, endurance, and stamina – all in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, honouring his colleagues, Sarah Campbell and Kiana Kasaei, and their own journeys with cancer.

Over five weeks, between May 24 and July 3, Jeff will bike the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) – 4,340 kilometres of terrain stretching between New Mexico, U.S., and Alberta, Canada, of which 90% is unpaved.  

Coined “Project 55” in honour of his years spent on this earth, Jeff’s solo trek will raise funds for cancer research. His goal is to raise $55,000 toward curing Anaplastic Astrocytoma (Stage III brain cancer) and invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) – two cancers that have impacted Kiana and Sarah. 

Project 55 will be a true test of will as Jeff braves the elements across seven states and two provinces, in honour of those who fight. His journey from Antelope Wells to Banff serves as an inspirational, fresh outlook for those looking to kickstart their own ways to make the world a better place. 
Avison Young is powered by people – people who make positive, meaningful change. The firm is passionate about bringing together people and the commercial real estate community, and supporting one another, as Jeff embarks on his bike trip, and as Kiana and Sarah continue their journeys to conquer cancer. 

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, starting May 24, on the Strava app.

Quotes:

“Although there is no comparison to the fight against cancer, I will push myself to fight against the elements in honour of incredible people like Sarah and Kiana, who persevere every day. I challenge myself to see things from a different perspective because I’m a big believer in living your life to experience as much as possible and to get outside your comfort zone. It is these experiences that lead to personal growth. As I was approaching my 55th birthday, I wanted to make a real difference, and I thought about how I could tie it to my colleagues, to my work, and to the broader commercial real estate industry – so here we are today.” – 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