While moving ahead by giving back may be their slogan, Peninsula Co-op is holding true to their word through their upcoming matching gift campaign for the BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver Island).
The organization is hosting a campaign from July 20 to 31 to raise money for Island residents impacted by cancer.
“We are committed to supporting the communities where we do business and causes that matter to our member-owners,” explained Lindsay Gaudette, marketing & community relations manager for Peninsula Co-op.
The most recent campaign is inspired from one launched late last year. On Giving Tuesday last November, the company participated in a one-day matching gift campaign with the BC Cancer Foundation. The campaign raised more than $40,000 in donations.
This year, Peninsula Co-op will match donations up to $75,000 to bring innovative new therapies to patients facing cancer across Vancouver Island.
“With one in every two people being diagnosed, many of our member-owners, customers and staff have close friends and family affected by cancer and we hope our donation will encourage others to give to life-saving treatment right here on Vancouver Island,” added Gaudette.
One Island resident understands directly the impact innovative therapy can have while battling cancer.
In March 2003, Linda West underwent six months of chemotherapy followed by 35 radiation treatments after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thirteen years later, West was rushed to the ER after feeling “terrible.”
Her cancer returned, but this time it was Stage IV and had spread to her lungs, bones, liver and brain.
She underwent chemo and radiation but last June she met with her oncologist who gave her a life expectancy between two to four months.
West explained her doctor “sent out a Hail Mary” and asked her colleagues if they knew of any therapies she could try.
“I am now taking two hormonal drugs that are quite new … but I’m feeling really well. I can’t believe it every day; I actually just started at the cancer clinic as a volunteer as a way to give back.”
West also has a special connection with Peninsula Co-op: she is the recording secretary for the board and her husband has been a board member for more than 25 years and was president of the board for 10 years.
“They are really supportive. Every day, you just don’t give up. I live each day like I’m not going to be dying, but like I’m living.”
Peninsula Co-op has a variety of locations around the greater Victoria area, four locations between the Malahat and Duncan, one in Comox and one in Campbell River.
Gaudette said all donations which will be matched can be made online at www.bccancerfoundation.com/match, and she added a membership is not required to donate.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
