Members save lives with over $2.5 million raised for leukemia research
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Toronto - June 7, 2013 - The combined efforts of UFCW Canada activists, family members and Local Unions over the past year have again made UFCW Canada the largest fundraising organization in the country supporting the lifesaving research efforts of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).
At the 24th Annual UFCW Canada Leukemia Gala, June 7 in Toronto, National President Wayne Hanley, announced that UFCW Canada fundraising efforts over the past 12 months raised $2,536,452.24 million dollars in support of LLSC research to find a cure and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.
"Our UFCW Canada and TUAC family has proudly and passionately supported the LLSC, knowing that the research we support has made a huge difference," said Brother Hanley to UFCW Canada activists from across Canada attending the gala. The Leukemia Gala annually celebrates the incredible fundraising efforts of UFCW Canada members and Local Unions which have been ongoing since the 1980s.
"Over the past three decades, our commitment to the LLSC has made for a tremendous, life-fulfilling partnership and we look forward to continuing it for as long as it takes to make all blood cancers a thing of the past," said the National President.
Every year UFCW Canada members, family and friends across the country organize and participate in numerous fundraising activities like raffles, community picnics, 50-50 draws, car washes, baseball tournaments, ride-a-thons, marathons, relays and Light the Night walks.
"Returns for Leukemia" is another pillar of the overall fundraising effort, with a province-wide Ontario campaign that converts deposits on bottles into donations. At the gala, UFCW Canada Local 12R24 announced that this year's "Returns for Leukemia" had raised an incredible $1,700,012.24.
Altogether, the overall total raised by all UFCW Canada efforts since the mid-1980s has now reached over $28.7 million. This enduring, incredible effort was recognized at the Gala, as the LLSC presented a special award to the UFCW Canada family as the LLSC’S most valued partner.
"Thank you, on behalf of the thousands of members and Local Unions across the country who devote their hearts and their time to this tremendous cause," said Brother Hanley in accepting the award. "We are grateful that our combined efforts have given hope and a future to so many individuals and families over the years through our support of the LLSC. We're here for you tonight and for every day throughout the years to come."