The University of Lethbridge's Devynn Helischauer is the top Alberta student fundraiser in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Post Secondary Challenge.

The challenge inspired Canada's college and university students and faculty to raise more than $500,000 for breast cancer research, education, awareness and advocacy.

Helischauer, who raised $4,000 during the challenge as part of team Treasured Chests, won a $2,500 CIBC Education Award to help with her tuition expenses.

Fellow University of Lethbridge student Anna Kovalchuk and Ken Soong from the University of Alberta were also named among the top national fundraisers to win a CIBC Education Award in 2012.

"I was honoured and shocked to receive this award as this cause is close to my heart," says Helischauer. "My mom and grandma have breast cancer and I am glad I can make a difference. This is very helpful to me as it can support my education costs."

"CIBC was very proud to present the Post Secondary Challenge," says Mark Galbraith, vice-president, Alberta, CIBC. "Our goal is to raise breast cancer awareness among Canada's students and motivate as many young people as possible to raise funds that will make a difference in the lives of those living with breast cancer. Congratulations to the CIBC Education Award winners and thank you to all of the students who together raised more than half a million dollars."

Kovalchuk has been a consistent participant in the Run for the Cure.

"I've been participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure for the past few years and I had a great experience doing the Post Secondary Challenge last year," she says. "A scholarship was a great motivator for my fundraising! I volunteer and fundraise for the cause with the hopes that I never will have a personal connection to it."