In a remarkable gesture of generosity, the Campbell family has pledged to match $500,000 in donations to BC Cancer – Victoria, doubling the impact of contributions from the community.
The funds will support the BC Cancer Foundation’s historic $15 million campaign to fully fund the new 12,000 sq. foot BC Cancer – Victoria Integrated Care And Research Pavilion and expand the centre’s groundbreaking research and clinical trials programs.
The new building will house many of BC Cancer–Victoria’s Supportive Care services. These crucial programs help patients navigate the challenging physical and psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Services include Patient & Family Counselling, Hereditary Counselling and more. Research has shown patients benefit from access to these programs in a standalone space, such as the one the new building will provide, as returning to the treatment centre is often triggering.
Supporting today for a better tomorrow
Lorne Campbell shares on behalf of his siblings Alex and Bonnie why this project is so important for their family to support – including for their children in the next generation.
“We have an opportunity to improve cancer care today and to play a part in future cures,” he explains. “It’s inspiring to feel you’re supporting innovations that will lead to better outcomes and less pain for families. I hope others in the community will join in this unique opportunity to improve the lives of so many.”
Many will know the Campbells for their local businesses and philanthropic work across Vancouver Island, including as long-time champions of the BC Cancer Foundation.
"Supporting the BC Cancer Foundation has always been a way for our family to touch the lives of as many people on Vancouver Island as possible,” Campbell describes. “One in two of us will face cancer, and the need for care is only growing.”
Perhaps by coincidence – or more likely a reflection of their dedication to the Foundation – the Campbell siblings’ parents, Alex and Jo Campbell, chaired the fundraising campaign for the last significant expansion of BC Cancer – Victoria in 2011. This initiative brought a much-needed third floor to the centre, where Supportive Care services are currently located.
Since launching last year, the current campaign has brought in support from across the Island. Even competing businesses have joined forces, with a coalition of local grocery brands fundraising, including Thrifty Foods which was co-founded by Alex Campbell.
This is the first time in the Foundation’s history that a BC Cancer building will be fully purchased through donor funding. It’s a testament to the power of the local community, shares William Litchfield, BC Cancer Foundation’s executive director – Vancouver Island.
“This campaign is possible because of the incredible donor support that has built BC Cancer–Victoria into the world-class research and care facility it is today,” he explains. “Every dollar raised is bringing us closer to making this vision for the future of cancer care a reality – and with this matching gift, we can get there twice as quickly.”
The matching offer runs from April 1 to May 31. Donate today and double your impact to support families facing cancer: bccancerfoundation.com/campbellmatch.
