A massive infusion of cash from Thrifty Foods has helped the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s 10th annual Jingle Mingle event raise more than $1.74 million for new medical equipment.
The Island-grown grocer, which is now a division of Sobey’s, pledged $1 million over three years at Thursday night’s gala fundraiser.
“Thrifty Foods is a proud partner of the B.C. Cancer Foundation, and this year is thrilled to help make possible a tremendous piece of equipment that has a vital need in our community,” said Lorne MacLean, Thrifty Foods’ general manager.
The money raised at the event will mean new state-of-the-art imaging equipment — a PET/CT scanner — for the B.C. Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre.
It is the first scanner of its kind on the Island and just the third scanner in the province. Island patients currently have to travel to Vancouver for scans.
“This year marks a decade of Jingle Mingle, and a decade of generous support that has led to groundbreaking cancer research and care on Vancouver Island, and beyond,” said Lorne Campbell, Jingle Mingle chair. “On behalf of the committee, we sincerely thank guests, donors and generous businesses for their ongoing support over the last 10 years that have truly made a mark on advancing cancer research and care in our community.”
A PET/CT scanner offers a complete picture of a patient’s cancer, with an ability to detect cancer cells at an early stage. The technology within the scanner is also precise, allowing doctors to determine a defined treatment plan and rule out unnecessary steps, such as surgery, radiation, additional biopsies and tests.
