Watch for a special supplement in Black Press Vancouver Island newspapers next week

When the Island’s businesses and residents come together for a common cause, good things happen.

The BC Cancer Foundation is inviting Vancouver Island residents to join its Inspire the World capital campaign, kicked off with significant donations from community partners such as Black Press, Thrifty Foods, Colliers International, Island Savings Credit Union and Walmart.

However, the $10-million goal will only be achievable through the generosity of individuals and families.

Black Press readers will learn all about the BC Cancer Foundation’s efforts – and how they can help Inspire the World – in a special supplement in their community newspapers next week.

The campaign responds to the urgent needs of cancer patients and their families, said Laura Walsh, BC Cancer Foundation campaign director.

“While survival rates for cancer patients are improving thanks to research, a growing and aging population means an increase in the number of people diagnosed with cancer,” Walsh said.

“Due to this increase in patients, and the phenomenal growth and success of research programs, our existing facility is operating beyond capacity. The Inspire the World capital campaign will fund and enable the building of a 10,000-square-foot addition to the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria.”

The campaign will both aid research and enhance care for patients and their families.

“Vancouver Island has an outstanding cancer treatment clinic and research centre. But, it is not all it could and should be – an important piece of the puzzle is missing,” Walsh said.

“BC Cancer Agency patients and their families are requesting more emotional and psychological support resources before, during and after treatment. Our dream is to provide this and conduct cutting-edge research focused on the psycho-social aspects of cancer. Additionally, we want to accelerate radiation innovation and predictive cancer research.”

The benefits will reach far beyond southern Vancouver Island.

“Technology will play an integral part in the campaign’s expansion,” Walsh said.

“A key goal is to ensure that cancer patients and their families across Vancouver Island will benefit from innovative online patient navigation programs, health and lifestyle seminars, counselling and support groups, public education forums and an expanded library.”

Generous corporate gifts – such as Walmart’s sponsorship of the special supplement in Black Press’ Island newspapers – are essential to the capital campaign.

“Walmart’s generosity is incredibly meaningful. Without Walmart, this special supplement would not be possible,” Walsh said.

Walmart’s involvement was a natural for the company.

“We’re excited to be part of the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World campaign,” said Sara Pedersen, manager of Walmart’s Langford store.

With the Inspire the World campaign reaching Island-wide, employees at the company’s six Island stores are all affected.

“I am personally very excited to be part of the Inspire the World campaign,” Pedersen said. “Every store has had a related story and cancer is a cause that is close to the hearts of all our associates.”

It’s at the individual level that campaign support is so needed and important – the $10 or $25 donations that together will help the BC Cancer Foundation reach the $10 million goal.

How can you help? Phone in a credit card donation to 250-382-4470, donate online at www.inspiretheworld.ca or mail a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation’s campaign office, 303-1005 Broad St., Victoria, BC, V8W 2A1.

For more information, visit www.inspiretheworld.ca