Editor:
As a past president of an active Ladysmith Canadian Cancer Society, I was very upset to learn that the Cancer Society is closing the Ladysmith office.
Many local citizens have participated in and contributed to our fundraisers, such as fashion shows, Relay for Life, bed and breakfast tours, Christmas trees, residential campaign and especially Tour de Rock. Used stamps have been collected and sold and the profits used to make free dressings for cancer patients.
Who do we take our stamps to now?
No, we are not driving to the Nanaimo office to do this or to make our In Memory donations or donate a wig or prosthesis or anything else we would normally do locally.
I have been involved in the April Residential Canvass for 18 years, eight of those as chairperson.
I will no longer be participating due to this unnecessary decision by the Vancouver and Victoria “bigwigs.”
It is true that not many visit our office, but those that do appreciate the available brochures, books and videos and information about drivers or emergency financial aid.
Often, a family member or a newly-diagnosed patient just needs to talk and have somebody listen. Who do they phone now to book a ride to an out-of-town appointment?
Our office, in the Resources Centre, gives an important CCS presence in our community.
In conclusion, in 2002, I was honoured to receive the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for my work with the Canadian Cancer Society. Then, I was very proud of the organization I belonged to.
Now, I am not proud of the Canadian Cancer Society due to their shortsighted decision to close the Ladysmith office.
Irene Deschene
Ladysmith
