Staff
When loved ones are diagnosed with or pass away from cancer, many people often want to do something to help or honour them. Last month, the residents of Grey, Bruce and Collingwood areas did something in a big way by showing their support for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month campaign.
In April, 394 local people supported the campaign by volunteering their time to sell daffodil pins and canvass their neighbourhoods. Thanks to the efforts of these dedicated individuals and the generosity of community members, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Bluewater Community Office raised $26,641.66 through Daffodil pin sales in all of Grey, Bruce and Collingwood, and raised $35,957.25 through residential canvassing in Kincardine and Town of the Blue Mountains communities.
While there are many worthwhile causes to donate to, Jennifer Wright, Community Fundraising Specialist with the Canadian Cancer Society, points out how the organization establishes itself from other cancer-fighting foundations.
“There are close to 200 cancer-related charities in Canada alone. However, we are the only organization that funds research for every kind of cancer, we provide services for cancer patients, and we work to prevent future cases of the disease through advocacy and prevention methods,” Wright says. “The Canadian Cancer Society is having more impact, against more cancers, in more communities, than any other cancer charity in Canada.”
Almost half of all Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, and it is the leading cause of death in this country. While these statistics are sobering, the Society has contributed to making progress against cancer. Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival rates were 25%. And the survival rates for some cancers are much higher – with childhood cancer at 83%, breast at 88%, and prostate at 96%.
Work remains to be done, as current statistics show that the number of new cancer cases continues to rise steadily as the Canadian population grows and ages. Money raised through Daffodil Month helps local patients and their families living with cancer by funding life-saving research, support services, and other important work so that fewer Canadians are touched by the disease. Locally, in 2015, the Wheels of Hope transportation program supported 118 volunteer drivers who travelled 709,283 kilometres to provide 5,068 safe rides to cancer-related appointments for 418 people diagnosed with cancer. Transportation assistance was also provided to 12 families for 94 trips to treatment for their children.
As the Daffodil Month campaign ends for 2016, the need to continue raising funds for these programs is still present. Currently, the Bluewater Community Office is gearing up for Heroes For Hope events (formerly Cops For Cancer) and the Mudmoiselle obstacle course at Talisman in September. Potential participants and donors are encouraged to sign up for these events at cancer.ca/HeroesForHope and mudmoiselle.ca.
It’s not too late if you would like to make a donation toward the Daffodil Month campaign in Grey, Bruce and Collingwood areas. Simply call the Bluewater Community Office at 519.376.6011 or 1.800.430.6228, or visit cancer.ca.
“We truly appreciate every donation made so far, and those that are to come. Every dollar counts and puts us closer to reaching our goals so we can complete our mission,” Wright says.
