About 75,000 Canadian blood cancer researchers, patients, donors, and volunteers helped the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada raise more than $6 million for research this fall.
The society recognized the fund-raising effort in September and October on National Philanthropy Day, Nov. 15.
The fund-raising kicked off in September, which was Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
Volunteers across Canada organized several Light the Night Walks that generated a record $5.8 million. The society raised an additional $214,500 with a fund-raiser that involved iA Financial Group pledging to match what others chipped in.
“We recognize that philanthropy comes in many forms, and we are grateful for each act of kindness,” Shelagh Tippet-Fagyas, the society’s president, said in a press release. “Your actions ensure that research projects we fund are uninterrupted and that our vital programs continue to provide the essential information, support and care that blood cancer patients, their families and caregivers rely on. Thank you!”
The $6 million will go to research and support programs. Before the September and October fund-raisers, the society had pumped $3.8 million into research this year. That was the largest amount since the organization was establishment 62 years ago.
The society also started a series of webcasts this fall to let the public know about the latest developments in blood cancer research. Society-funded researchers will be hosting the webcasts.
Meanwhile, the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada, one of the country’s leading unions, is marking 35 years of supporting the society this year. In the past decade, the union helped it raise more than $11 million.
The union, which represents more than a quarter of a million workers, was founded more than a century ago, in 1899.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the country’s largest voluntary organization focused on blood cancers. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more, visit llscanada.org.
