A Vancouver Island family will be matching donations up to $500,000 in support of the BC Cancer Foundation’s campaign to fund the purchase and renovation of a Victoria property to expand the foundation’s research and clinical trials programs.
The new 12,000 square-foot integrated care and research pavilion on Richmond Road will be the first fully donor-funded B.C. Cancer building in the province, and will house many of the centre’s Supportive Care services, such as patient and family counselling and hereditary counselling that help patients navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
The last fundraising campaign for a significant expansion of the foundation was chaired by longtime BC Cancer supporters Jo and the late Alex Campbell, co-founder of Thrifty Foods, and whose family is pledging the $500,000 donation.
“We’re so grateful for the Campbell family’s generosity towards enhancing care for local patients and families,” said William Litchfield, BC Cancer Foundation’s Vancouver Island executive director. “We hope the opportunity for donors to double their impact inspires the community to support this incredible project.
The campaign, aimed at raising $15 million, launched last year and has brought in support from across the Island as cancer rates are rising due to an aging and growing population.
“Cancer has touched all of us in some way and the need for care is only rising. This is a chance to improve cancer care today and to play a part in future cures,” said Lorne Campbell, Jo and Alex’s son. “I hope the community will join in this unique opportunity to support the thousands of Island families who are facing or will face this terrible disease.”
The match offer runs from April 1 to May 31. To donate or learn more about the campaign, visit https://www.bccancerfoundation.com/campbell-match.
Read More: BC Cancer Foundation raising $15M to buy and renovate Victoria building