Last year, about 2,000 Canadians died from leukemia. But thanks to the gargantuan fundraising efforts of UFCW locals across the country, researchers fighting the disease can move ever closer toward a cure.
“Our commitment to combating leukemia goes all the way back to 1985,” explains Ivan Limpright, president of UFCW 1518. “That’s when UFCW folks across Canada pledged to work together to support the research, education, and outreach efforts of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).” Beating leukemia has been a focal point of UFCW’s charitable efforts ever since, Limpright adds.
This year’s tally was announced at the Annual UFCW Canada Leukemia Gala, held in Toronto last week. From bake sales and bowl-a-thons to bottle drives and barbeques, UFCW locals collectively raised a whopping $2,516,951 for the Society.
“UFCW members and locals have always given back. They understand that fighting for what’s right doesn’t only happen in the workplace. It happens in the communities where we live,” Limpright comments. “Our members are tremendously generous with their time and energy when it comes raising public awareness about leukemia and supporting those suffering from blood cancers.”
The gala honoured Dr. David Spanner with the UFCW Canada Award for Leukemia Research. Dr. Spanner’s work focuses on improving treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia – the most common adult leukemia in Canada. According to UFCW Canada president Paul Meinema, the funds raised by the union help more Canadians win their battle against the disease. “That’s why our union will continue to fight side by side with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.”
Over the past three decades, UFCW Canada has raised $38,890,691 for leukemia research and outreach, making it the largest annual supporter of the Society’s life-saving efforts. “As a union, we have a long history of standing together to create a better quality of life – not just for our members and their families but for everyone,” says Limpright. “So it makes sense that we work as hard as we do to support this important cause.”
To date UFCW Canada has raised $38,890,691 for the LLSC, making our union their largest annual supporter in the ongoing fight against blood cancers.