Toronto – June 22, 2015 – The combined fundraising efforts of UFCW Canada activists, family members, and Local Unions were once again highlighted at the 26th Annual UFCW Canada Leukemia Gala, held on June 19 in Toronto.
UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema announced that the fundraising efforts of Canada's leading union in support of the lifesaving research efforts of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) have raised $2.5 million dollars over the past year.
The money raised will go to support LLSC research to find a cure and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and other blood cancers, as well as raise awareness of these diseases and reach out to those suffering from blood cancers.
"Once again, UFCW Canada members, their families, and our community partners have proven their commitment to the thousands of Canadians affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "Each year we renew our commitment to fight these diseases, and the money that we raise for research, education, and outreach continues to save many lives."
For nearly three decades, UFCW Canada members and community allies have organized and participated in numerous fundraising activities – including raffles, community picnics, 50-50 draws, car washes, sports tournaments, ride-a-thons, marathons, relays, and Light the Night walks – to raise money for the fight against blood cancer, and this past year was no different.
Another pillar of the union's fundraising efforts is the successful "Returns for Leukemia" bottle drive, in which UFCW Canada activists collect deposits on bottle returns at Beer Stores across Ontario and donate the proceeds to the LLSC. At the Leukemia Gala, UFCW Canada Local 12R24 President Robert Edwards announced that this year's "Returns for Leukemia" bottle drive raised an incredible $1.7 million dollars.
The overall total raised by UFCW Canada's Leukemia efforts has now reached $33.9 million dollars, making our union the LLSC's most valued partner. UFCW Canada is and will continue to be the largest annual supporter of the Society's life-saving efforts in the ongoing fight against blood cancers.