In 1985 some good folks across Canada made a pledge. From that point on they would work together, and every year since, to help find a cure to find a cure for leukemia, myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease and other forms of blood cancers.

They are UFCW Canada family — and since adopting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) as their charity of choice, the members of UFCW Canada have raised over $26 million for leukemia research. Combining all efforts big and small across Canada, the UFCW Canada family continues to be a tower of hope and financial support for the life changing work of the LLSC.

Throughout the year UFCW Canada members are involved with fundraising efforts for the LLSC including walkathons, bowlathons, barbecues, bake sales, pool, tennis, golf, volleyball and hockey tournaments, bottle return drives and many other events put on by UFCW Canada members and supported by UFCW Canada Local unions, and the National Office.

For 2011-2012, UFCW Canada members in total raised $2,422,273 setting a new annual fundraising record for the seventh year in a row — and reaffirming UFCW Canada as the largest annual source of donations for funding research to develop better treatments and to find a cure.

Those efforts mean that today kids and adults with leukemia are living longer, and for others a complete remission from a disease which 25 years ago would have been fatal.

“Almost everyone has a family member or friend who has been touched by this leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma,” says Wayne Hanley, the national president of UFCW Canada. “We are heartened that UFCW Canada’s ongoing support has allowed LLSC to identify and support lifesaving research that has really made a difference.”

“Across this land, UFCW Canada members and their union remain absolutely committed to a future that is free of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. We are hopeful – and confident – that by working together we will get there.”