The 20th Annual UFCW Canada Gala in Support of Leukemia Research

June 12, 2009 — For the seventh year in a row, UFCW Canada has set a new annual fundraising record for leukemia research —raising $1,659,539.62, and reaffirming UFCW Canada as the largest annual source of donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

The record-breaking amount was announced by National President
Wayne Hanley at the 20th Annual UFCW Canada Gala, held June 12 in Toronto. The gala celebrated the 2008 fundraising efforts of UFCW Canada members and their local unions, as cheques were presented to the LLSC.

“Once again, UFCW Canada members and their local unions have proven their commitment to the thousands of Canadians and their families facing the challenge of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers,” said Hanley.

“Each year at this time we renew that commitment because over the years the money raised for leukemia research by UFCW Canada members and the local unions has saved literally hundreds, if not thousands of lives.”

UFCW Canada fundraising takes place year-round through a number of innovative programs such as member-organized walkathons, sports tournaments, motorcycle rallies, community bar­becues, calendar sales, fishing derbies, bottle deposit drives, and many other events supported by UFCW Canada local unions as well as the national office.

The largest single fundraiser adding to this year's total was the annual UFCW Canada Local 12R24/The Beer Store bottle drive. It raised a record $830,007.68 atlocations across Ontario.

UFCW Canada members, and their local unions across Canada, have in total raised more than $19.8 million since the union adopted the LLSC as its charity of choice in 1985.

“It is a tremendous ongoing achievement," says National President Hanley. "Every dollar raised is one step closer to a future free of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers — and together we will get there."