Editor:
There has been considerable discussion in the last two weeks about the upcoming closure of the Canadian Cancer Society unit offices in both Ladysmith and Parksville-Qualicum.
We recognize many people are disappointed, and we understand their concerns.
First and foremost, we are not leaving your community. The delivery of cancer prevention initiatives and community programs will continue as before. Cops for Cancer will continue to stop in Ladysmith, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, and we will continue to provide a symbol of hope to your community through the daffodil flower and pin campaign.
We also want our volunteers to know that we want to continue working with them. We value their dedication, passion and hard work.
Our B.C. and Yukon workforce is composed of 160 paid staff and 17,000 volunteers. The majority do not work together out of a defined physical space, and yet we successfully collaborate to make a difference in the fight against cancer. We want to continue to do that here.
There are incorrect figures circulating around the percentage of money we spend on fundraising. In 2011, our direct cost to raise a dollar was 19 cents. With this, we raised $34.5 million in B.C.
Like other cancer charities, we fund excellent cancer research, but our impact goes beyond by also leading prevention and support programs. We invest in fundraising for one reason only — to raise money to fulfill our mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.
We also regularly evaluate our fundraising activities to ensure that we raise the most funds in the most cost-effective way. By doing this, we can make the greatest impact in the fight against all cancers.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity the people of Ladysmith, Parksville and Qualicum Beach have shown us over the years. We hope they will continue to join us in fulfilling our mission.
Barbara Kaminsky
CEO
Canadian Cancer Society,
B.C. and Yukon
