FIGHTING BACK: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division - Impact Report 2009-2010
FIGHTING BACK: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division - Impact Report 2009-2010
O n t a r i o D i v i s i o n I m pac t R e p o r t
2009 | 2010
MakING THE most impact...
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, FightinG back... “Fighting back.” Whether describing a mom and her infant son battling a rare form
OUR MISSION
community-based organization of volunteers of deadly leukemia; a new father advocating for tougher laws against cheap, illegal
whose mission is the eradication of cancer cigarettes; or groups of women getting together to raise money for women’s cancer
and the enhancement of the quality of life of Every three minutes, research, these two words embody the new spirit that infused the Canadian Cancer
people living with cancer. Society in 2009-10.
another Canadian is faced
Inspired by research involving volunteers, staff and the general public – and
with fighting cancer. exemplifying two of our values of being ‘progressive’ and ‘courageous’ – the
Society’s edgy new ‘Join the Fight’ branding is re-introducing us to Canadians.
That’s why – empowered It boldly declares that we are the number one enemy of cancer. It invites Canadians
to engage in frank conversations about cancer, and to join with us in making the
by its volunteers and donors most impact in the fight against all cancers. Most of all, it reminds us all that this
is a fight for life.
– the Canadian Cancer Society
In the pages of this 2009-10 Impact Report, you’ll discover the facts – and the
is working tirelessly to do human stories – behind our fight against cancer here in Ontario. You’ll read about
how the Society continues to do everything we can to prevent cancer from
everything we can to prevent happening in the first place; how we fund research to outsmart all types of
cancer; how we empower, inform, support and improve the lives of those across
cancer, save lives and support the province living with cancer; and how we rally Ontarians to take action, in their
own personal ways, to make cancer history.
people living with cancer.
2 A Message from the Chair It’s thanks to the continuing generosity of our donors that we are able to make
CONTENTS
and Acting Chief Executive Officer progress in the cancer fight. Through their support, Ontario Division was able to
With your support, we are raise $85 million last year. In addition to the support from our donors, one of the
4 Research
greatest things about our organization is the partnership between our staff and
6-11 Prevention and Advocacy
making more impact, in more
our diverse team of 65,000 volunteers located in every corner of the province.
12-17 Support and Information communities, than any other Their shared passion for our mission is truly inspiring. Thanks to all of you for
sharing your time, talents and funds with us; we hope that, in return, you felt a
18 Fundraising
cancer charity in Canada. sense of pride and accomplishment for your contribution to the cancer fight.
20 Gift Planning But we cannot stop now. There are still many battles to be won before we can
declare victory against this formidable foe.
22 Corporate Development Thank you for joining the
24 Bequest Gifts Received Last year’s economic downturn was a challenging time for all charities. But thanks
fight against cancer. to our judicious financial planning and ‘fight back’ spirit, the Society is emerging
26 Corporate Recognition from the recession in solid shape. We remained true to our mission, improved our
28 Report from the Chair, engagement with volunteers, strengthened our connection with corporate
Audit & Finance Committee supporters, and diversified the way supporters could donate. The result? Our
donors stayed with us, enabling us to commit $24.7 million to research, and to
29 Financials
continue to offer valued services and programs to cancer patients and their families.
30 Provincial Board and Committees
...in the fight for life
Transitions on the leadership front also demonstrated the Society’s resilience. We thank Saluting Our Outgoing Volunteer Chair
former Ontario Division CEO Peter Goodhand, who moved from Ontario Division to We pay tribute to Marion Kirsh as she concludes her two-year term as Chair of
become the Society’s National President and CEO on May 1, 2009, for establishing Ontario Division’s Board of Directors. Over her tenure, Marion’s goal was to fully
such a solid foundation for success here in Ontario. To all our volunteers and staff, your embrace two key Society values – “courage” and “progressive” – and this goal
unfaltering commitment in this time of uncertainty was – and is – greatly appreciated. was exceeded. The Society achieved key advocacy wins against tobacco,
cosmetic pesticides and toxic emissions; a stronger emphasis was placed on
Amid 2009-10’s challenges and successes, the Society never strayed from our
singular vision of a world where no one fears cancer. We know that 2010-11 will prevention screening for breast and colorectal cancer; PhotoSensitive’s poignant
include an economy emerging from recession, the increasingly costly and focused Cancer Connection’s photo exhibition and the new ‘Join the Fight’ branding
nature of cancer research, and a continued vigilance on fiscal restraint and financial connected Canadians in new and exciting ways; and despite the economic
strength. We look forward to your continued support as we fight back… for life. recession continued financial strength was realized.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 3
Investing in breakthroughs
• There are more than 200 different types
TH E N E E D
“For the first 10 months of his life, my son assistance. He loves bicycling, elephants, In addition, Dr. Sung chairs a committee
Brock – unlike his twin brother Conner – just reading mystery books and playing video with the Children’s Oncology Group – a
seemed to keep on getting sick with things games with Conner. When Conner wins, renowned group that includes international
like bronchitis or throat infections,” explains “I just challenge him again,” Brock says. hospitals and institutions that lead clinical
Lori Taraba. “By August of 1998 however, trials to improve cure rates for childhood
Brock was fortunate with regards to
the really serious symptoms began to cancers. Their collective goal is to find
infection during his treatment; infections
appear.” After several days of investigation, better cancer treatments so that more
among children during cancer treatment
Lori received the diagnosis: high-risk acute children like Brock can survive.
are common and can be more deadly than
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). For children
the cancer itself. Although he did contract “It feels incredible to work on the leading
under a year with ALL, the survival rate is
two serious bacterial infections in the early edge of cancer research,” says Dr. Sung.
low and the prognosis is poor. After a good
phases of his treatment, both were “Having seen the devastating impact
cry, Lori remembers thinking: “Now that we
successfully treated with intravenous this disease has on children, their family “My son is here because
know what it is, we’re ready to fight it with
antibiotics and caused no long-lasting members and friends, I feel very
everything we’ve got.”
ill-effects. Other children with leukemia privileged to be able to make a difference of the researchers who fight
Besides Brock’s bouts of chemotherapy are not so lucky. in the fight against cancer.”
in the spine every 16 weeks, he also required cancer every day.”
Dr. Lillian Sung is an award-winning And that difference means the world to
10 days of double-dose radiation to his
researcher at The Hospital for Sick children like Brock and their parents. Lori Taraba
head. “We were advised that Brock could
Children in Toronto who, through Canadian “My son is here because of the researchers
experience some limitations in terms of
Cancer Society research funding, is who fight cancer every day,” says a
fine-motor, math and language skills,
studying the role of infection in children grateful Lori. “Thanks to research, cancer
speech and physical growth due to the
with leukemia. “In my research, we’re is no longer a death sentence.”
head radiation,” Lori says. “But the doctors
looking for genetic markers that will identify
also told us that there were things we
children who have the highest risk of
could do as parents to minimize these
developing infections, a serious side-effect
consequences.” Once the limitations
that can lead to death in some of these
began to appear at around age two, Lori’s
young patients,” says Dr. Sung. “We’re also
remarkable plan to support Brock kicked in.
testing different treatments to try and
Today, Brock is a healthy, self-sustaining reduce the infection risk – ultimately, we
pre-teen who is fully functional with some want to improve cancer survival.”
#1
How you can join the fight: The Canadian Cancer Society
Much progress has been made in the fight against cancer, but more needs to be done. is the largest charitable
Visit www.cancer.ca/impact09 to learn how you can join the fight to help us end cancer. funder of childhood cancer
research in Canada.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 5
Working for safer workplaces
• At present, we simply don’t know enough
TH E N E E D
“People have a great fear of fire,” says Fred is getting worse. “Some of today’s new “My profession has me fighting fires while Tackling a challenging
LeBlanc, a 25-year veteran firefighter and composite materials burn hotter and faster. our Association fights for firefighter safety,” connection with cancer
president of the Ontario Professional Fire Although firefighters have better protective Fred concludes. “The OCRC goes a step Although there’s convincing evidence
Fighters Association. “They’re afraid of gear, they are still absorbing these toxins further, fighting not only for firefighters but showing a relationship between exposure
to harmful substances in the workplace and
what it can do, how it damages people and through their skin.” all workers, so that one day, Canadian
certain cancers, actually proving a definite,
property, how it traumatizes them, and how workplaces will be free of cancer-causing causal relationship is very difficult. That’s
The Association is fighting hard to inform
it doesn’t stop until we force it to stop or substances.” because cancers can take a long time
its membership – and especially the to form, and because it’s hard to isolate
until it runs out of fuel. I believe that’s quite
medical community – about the need suspected carcinogens from other factors
similar to how people feel about cancer,”
for earlier cancer screening for high-risk in the workplace.
he observes.
individuals. It’s also actively promoting the To tackle this challenge and drive progress
In 2007, Ontario enacted ‘presumptive benefits of fitness and other healthy lifestyle in the cancer fight, last March the
Occupational Cancer Research Centre
legislation’ covering full-time firefighters practices to help offset the higher
(OCRC) was launched. This joint
meaning that eight types of cancer – occupational cancer risk. undertaking was funded by Cancer Care
bladder, brain, colorectal, esophageal, “The OCRC goes a step Ontario, the Workplace Safety and
Fred is very excited about the new Insurance Board, the Canadian Cancer
kidney, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
and ureter – can be presumed to be caused
Occupational Cancer Research Centre further, fighting not only for Society, Ontario Division and developed in
(OCRC). The founding partners, Cancer collaboration with the United Steelworkers.
by workplace exposure unless proven
otherwise. “For instance,” Fred explains,
Care Ontario, the Canadian Cancer firefighters but all workers, This innovative centre – the first of its kind
in Canada – will use its dedicated funding
Society, Workers Safety Insurance Board
“firefighters who contract brain cancer after so that one day, Canadian to build new knowledge about work-related
and the United Steel Workers, are sharing risk factors for cancer by working closely
10 years on the job, or those who contract
their expertise to reach a common goal:
bladder cancer after 15 years, now qualify workplaces will be free of with stakeholders, and will apply the results
to better understand and protect workers in the areas of community action, public
for benefits under the Workplace Safety and education, prevention, legislation and
Insurance Act.”
from occupational cancers. cancer-causing substances.” policy development.
“I’m hoping the OCRC will foster greater Fred LeBlanc Ultimately, the OCRC’s research findings
“Despite being in better physical shape than
acceptance of the fact that some cancers should translate into vital breakthroughs
most Ontarians, firefighters have an that will lead to tangible actions to help
are occupationally caused,” Fred says.
increased risk of getting cancer,” Fred eradicate the threat of workplace-induced
“Its focus on occupation-related research cancer and enhance the lives of Ontario
notes, adding that cancers are now
should lead to better prevention and workers and their families.
striking firefighters earlier. A major cause,
education programs aimed at workers in
he says, is that the ‘toxic soup’ of
higher-risk occupations, such as firefighters
chemicals found in products all around us
#2
and other industrial workers.”
Shelley Bresett’s husband Chris did all the and painful battle. “Why did he have to North America’s toughest
right things to lead a healthy life: he didn’t suffer this way? Why do we have laws cosmetic pesticide ban
smoke, he ate properly and he exercised to protect us from so many other everyday
After seven years of grassroots advocacy
regularly. Beyond working hard as the dangers, but there aren’t any laws requiring by passionate Canadian Cancer Society
director of a call centre and being a loving tanning salons to properly explain all the volunteers and staff – together with other
partner and terrific dad to his three kids, risks?” health and environment organizations
he pursued his longstanding passion for and thousands of Ontarians – a province-
Once she came to terms with Chris’s
bodybuilding. “Chris did everything he could wide ban on the sale and use of cosmetic
passing, Shelley decided to fight back pesticides took effect on Earth Day, April
to copy the well-tanned musclemen he read
by volunteering with the Society. She 22, 2009, thus helping reduce the public’s
about in the magazines, including, tragically,
provides peer support to other caregivers, risk of developing cancer.
visiting a tanning salon three or four times a
gives talks about cancer prevention, and
week,” Shelley recounts.
serves on the Society’s Public Issues Team, The Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act –
Though it’s hard to believe, nobody ever speaking with MPPs about the dangers of “I have no doubt that the strongest cosmetic pesticide legislation
in North America – especially helps
told Chris about the dangers of indoor indoor tanning beds. At last November’s
tanning. In 1999, Chris was diagnosed with MPP Education Day at Queen’s Park, she
indoor tanning led to children, whose rapidly growing and
developing bodies make them more
metastatic melanoma – the deadliest form met with London-Fanshawe MPP Khalil
Chris getting cancer.” vulnerable than adults.
of skin cancer – that had spread to Ramal, the proponent of a private members
his brain. Despite years of agonizing bill restricting tanning. Shelley Bresett Exposure to cosmetic pesticides may
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to increase an individual’s risk of developing
Reflecting on her advocacy work, Shelley cancer. The World Health Organization’s
fight the cancer that had also spread to
says: “By listening to others and speaking International Agency for Research on
his lungs, right hip, pancreas, spleen and
up to help change the laws, I’m doing Cancer has concluded that some
lymph nodes, Chris finally lost his fight on
everything I possibly can to prevent substances used in pesticides are known,
November 7, 2006.
others from needlessly dying from this probable or possible carcinogens, while
“I have no doubt that indoor tanning led horrible disease.” the U.S. National Toxicology Program has
to Chris getting cancer,” Shelley says. classified a number of active pesticide
“Cancer made me a widow at age 38 and ingredients as ‘reasonably anticipated
“He was very strong and fought hard for
stole my children’s father, but we are all to be a human carcinogen’.
almost seven-and-a-half years, but cancer
stronger because of our experience,”
finally beat him.”
says Shelley. “We will never back down.”
Naturally, Shelley and her kids were
2,360
devastated to watch Chris’s prolonged
How you can join the fight: Total number of letters, e-mails,
Help the Society advocate for restrictions on the use of indoor tanning beds for youth meetings with government officials
under 18. Visit www.cancer.ca/impact09. and phone calls linked to Society
advocacy campaigns in 2009-10.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 9
Tackling the threat of tobacco
• Tobacco is Ontario’s biggest cancer threat,
TH E N E E D
As a youngster, Andrew Noble loved Society, where he advocates for changes in Government sues tobacco
playing ball and reading with his father, government policy and legislation to industry to recover health
care costs
Arnold. Now, Andrew carries on the enhance tobacco control. His hard work
tradition by reading and playing ball on has led to restrictions on the use of Society advocacy efforts paid off in March
the floor with his own two-year-old flavouring in tobacco products (cigarillos), 2009, when the Ontario government
son, Thomas. and he’s currently battling cheap, illegal introduced legislation that allowed the
cigarettes, also known as contraband province to sue tobacco companies to
Sadly, Thomas never got the chance to recover tobacco-related health care
tobacco.
meet his grandfather. Arnold was diagnosed costs incurred in Ontario, totaling
with an advanced case of lung cancer “It’s frightening to think that 30 per cent $1.6 billion per year.
following an emergency hospital visit in of all cancer deaths are due to tobacco.
September 2004. The radiation treatment On the other hand, if we succeed in In late September, Queen’s Park filed a
$50-billion lawsuit. This legal process will
left him very weak, and after being bringing in measures that lower tobacco
hold the tobacco industry accountable
readmitted to hospital, Arnold Noble, use, we can have a huge impact on “Cancer patients are not
for the harm it’s done to the health of
age 78, passed away in January 2005. cancer,” Andrew says.
statistics; they’re real people Ontarians, and may further restrict the
To help understand his father’s cancer Andrew says the battle against cancer industry’s marketing and sales practices.
diagnosis and treatment, Andrew touches him on many levels. “As a Society with family and friends.” Through the court process, the public will
finally understand that the tobacco industry
consulted the Society’s Cancer employee, I’m proud to fight for policies
Andrew Noble has operated outside the rules of normal
Information Service. “My father was a and laws that directly affect the lives of my
business. If successful, the cost-recovery
non-smoker and we will never know the fellow Ontarians. As a son, I’ve experienced
lawsuit could provide funds for other
root cause of his lung cancer,” Andrew the devastating impact that cancer has on essential health care services in Ontario
says, noting that in the 1970s and 80s, a family. And as a new dad, I’m especially and force the tobacco industry to end its
his father’s workplace was filled with motivated to make a difference so that predatory marketing.
second-hand smoke. “The company CEO when Thomas is my age, thanks to
finally banned smoking in the office, long education and advocacy, preventable British Columbia and New Brunswick have
already begun the process of suing tobacco
before it was required by law.” cancers will no longer be a threat.”
firms, while four other provinces have
Today, Andrew is actively involved in the “Cancer patients are not statistics; they’re enacted similar legislation.
fight against cancer through his work as a real people with family and friends,” Andrew
Senior Coordinator of Public Issues at the says. “If we fight back, we will defeat
cancer.”
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 11
Empowering others through personal stories
• People fighting cancer often have concerns
TH E N E E D
“I don’t know why,” says Eva Salib, “but explains. “We discussed practical things like Recalling her own battle with cancer,
about 25 years ago, I remember feeling in exercise, diet and treatment procedures, Eva says, “Of course it was difficult and
my heart that one day I would get breast plus how I was feeling. I appreciated physically painful at times, but cancer did
cancer.” As a young girl in Cairo, she had talking with someone who’d been through not destroy me or scar me. As a result of
watched her grandmother undergo very the same thing. She knew the feelings, the my cancer fight, something happened that
aggressive radiation treatment for breast fears and the side effects. She was a maybe made me a better person.”
cancer. comforting person and a good listener.”
Now married and living in Mississauga, Eva attributes much of her recovery to her
Eva’s prediction sadly came true in 2004. Christian faith. “God arranged for me to find
She underwent a lumpectomy, lymph-node the Canadian Cancer Society and their
surgery and then radiation to successfully Peer Support program. From this point,
fight the cancer. Early in her treatment, I decided I needed to give back. It was a
she happened to visit her local Canadian joy, not an obligation.”
“I appreciated talking with
Cancer Society office, where she was someone who’d been through
She waited the required year after
given the Society’s free information kit for
completing her own treatment (to heal the same thing. She knew the
lumpectomy patients; learned about the
physically and emotionally), then began
transportation service (that provided three
weeks of rides to radiation treatments in
peer support training in the summer of feelings, the fears and the side
2005. Her first one-on-one match was in
downtown Toronto); and picked up some
March 2006. “The first time I was on the effects. She was a comforting
brochures. “When I called the Cancer
other end of the phone, I was so happy I
Information Service number on the back of person and a good listener.”
had the chance to help somebody else in
a pamphlet, they told me about their Peer
their fight against cancer.” Eva Salib
Support program,” Eva remembers.
Except during a recurrence of her breast
Within a week, Eva was matched with a
cancer in 2007-08, Eva has continued
woman who provided peer support for the
providing individual peer support to two or
rest of Eva’s treatment period. “She called
even three patients at a time. She is now
me once a week, and we would talk for
cancer-free, she says proudly.
about 15 or 20 minutes at a time,” Eva
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 13
Helping people one ride at a time
• Fighting cancer involves more than battling
TH E N E E D
Having a strong support system makes a One of the drivers who is dedicated to
huge difference when fighting cancer. For fighting cancer from behind the steering
Francis Loh, 78, who was diagnosed with wheel is Herbert Francis, 74. Although no
pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2008, his one in his family has personally battled
greatest support has been Paula, his wife cancer, Herbert – who retired six years ago
of more than 50 years who has been at his from a career as a clerk with Canada Post
side every step of the way. – chose the Society after exploring different
opportunities at the volunteer office in Peel.
Following surgery in November, Francis
“The chance to transport people fighting
began chemotherapy treatments in January
cancer to their treatments felt like a
that lasted until early last summer. He is
meaningful way for me to give back,”
presently awaiting word from his doctors on
he says. “The volunteer drivers are
the next steps in his cancer fight.
Being the only daughter living in the same better understanding of what the family Spreading the word about
town as her aging parents, it was no could be facing over the coming months.” cancer risks in the LGBT
community
surprise that Catherine Le Borgne would
André had enough strength to enjoy a
play a key role in keeping her four siblings Research shows that smoking rates are
Christmas dinner at home with his
informed about her father André’s cancer higher in lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
family including his only great-grandchild,
fight late last year. (LGBT) communities, which may lead to
but his condition worsened soon after.
higher rates of cancer. In response, the
“My dad had been experiencing pain “That’s when his spirit started failing,” Society published a new information and
in his ribs and back for some time,” Catherine says. André passed away on awareness resource in May 2009 entitled
Catherine says. “In September, the pain New Year’s Day. “It was very painful to ‘Facts about Tobacco for Lesbian, Gay and
was so bad he went to emergency. watch my dad slowly lose his cancer battle, Bisexual People: Reasons and Resources
Dad was diagnosed with terminal lung but at least we were given a short window for Quitting Smoking’.
cancer, which had spread throughout his of time to celebrate his life and say our
body. He was given six to 12 months goodbyes.” “The Society made it easy for “This brochure plays an important role in
raising awareness across the province,”
to live. Shortly after that, he began radiation
Catherine is grateful to the cancer me to be the ‘information hub’ says Loralee Gillis, the research and policy
treatments, solely for pain management,
information specialists who helped her coordinator of Rainbow Health Ontario,
not to fight the cancer.” that kept everyone in the loop.” a province-wide program working to
during her father’s cancer fight. She says
improve the health and well-being of
“I was very frightened since I knew very little they took the time to find and e-mail her Catherine Le Borgne
lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people
about cancer. I picked up all the different various easy-to-understand materials
in Ontario through education, research,
Canadian Cancer Society pamphlets I could concerning cancer diagnosis and
outreach and policy advocacy.
find at the cancer centre to try and make treatments. “It took a big load off my mom, “It is important that we have health
sense of it all,” Catherine explains. “Then, too. Rather than having six or seven people promotion materials specifically
I saw the toll-free number of the Cancer phoning her all the time to find out how dad targeted to LGBT people, and we are
Information Service on the back, called was doing, I could use the information I’d thrilled that the Society has produced
them up, and talked for about an hour with received from the service and include it in this groundbreaking resource.”
a wonderfully caring information specialist my regular e-mails to all my siblings, clearly
The brochure is available in English
named Tara. I trusted what she was telling telling them what dad was going through.
and French in printed form or online
me, and she really helped me get over my The Society made it easy for me to be the
at www.cancer.ca/lgb.
fear and anxiety about what was ahead of ‘information hub’ that kept everyone in
us. After that first conversation, I had a the loop.”
Nine days after the first anniversary of her Last spring, three weeks into her Girls Night In: a party
husband Jack’s death from Lou Gehrig’s five-week radiation treatment program, with a purpose
disease, Tracy Groombridge discovered a Tracy launched her spirited fight back Last July, the Society launched a fun and
lump in her right breast. She was soon against cancer by taking part in her local flexible community fundraising program
advised she had an aggressive type of Relay For Life. This community-based called Girls Night In to support leading-edge
breast cancer, and needed an immediate fundraising program exists to celebrate research into breast, uterine, ovarian and
radical modified mastectomy, followed by cancer survivors, remember loved ones cervical cancers.
chemotherapy and possibly radiation. lost to cancer, and fight back to find a The host of a Girls Night In event invites a
cure for this terrible disease. group of her girlfriends to come over for a
“Shortly before my surgery, I hosted a big get-together that might feature dinner and
party at my house: the ‘Boob Voyage Party Her team, the Bosom Buddies, raised chick-flicks, a home fashion show, a night of
to the Right Sister’,” Tracy recounts. “On over $12,000 and won an award for their “If every single person joins karaoke or a home spa event. Everyone who
the day of my surgery, I was brave and fundraising success. Tracy herself proudly attends the event donates money – either the
never cried, but it was torture not being walked in the Survivors’ Victory Lap.
the fight against cancer, we amount they would’ve spent on a ‘night out
on the town’ or a set amount – to the
able to be at the rink as team manager for
A regular speaker at public Relay events,
can help save more lives. To Canadian Cancer Society.
my son John’s hockey team. We both cried
Tracy delivered a very powerful speech at a not take action… to not fight Last fall, Gillian Seguin of London invited
happy tears when he showed me the pink
Relay leadership summit last fall. She was about 20 girlfriends to a Girls Night In party
ribbon sticker on his helmet that the coach
had given to him and all his teammates.”
involved in planning ‘Pink in the Rink’ – a back and just let cancer win is at her home where everyone wore their bridal
special event this past February in which gowns or favourite bridesmaid dresses.
Tracy remembers her mother, when picking players from the Peterborough Petes OHL simply not an option.” “Our Girls Night In was a blast and a great way
for our group of friends to get together, share
her up for her first treatment, asking why team wore pink hockey jerseys that were
Tracy Groombridge some laughs and party with a purpose.”
she was all dressed-up. “I told her that auctioned off after the game, raising just
‘just because I’m sick doesn’t mean I over $53,000. The website www.girlsnightinforcancer.ca
includes everything needed to plan and run
have to look sick!’”
“If every single person joins the fight against a successful event, including links to Facebook
When talking with others who were also cancer, we can help save more lives. To not and Twitter. Hosts can even create their
fighting cancer, Tracy continually stressed take action… to not fight back and just let own web page that accepts online donations
and can display photos for everyone to
the importance of staying positive. “Accept cancer win is simply not an option.”
enjoy afterwards!
the help and hugs of friends and family, cry
when you feel like crying, and talk openly
to anyone who will listen. Bottling up your
1,036
emotions will only make things worse.”
How you can join the fight: Total number of Girls Night In fans
Create your own team, pledge a participant or volunteer at a who currently stay connected and
Relay For Life event in your local community. Visit www.cancer.ca/impact09. exchange fun event ideas through
www.facebook.com/GNI4cancer.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 19
Celebrating lives, leaving legacies
• Many Ontarians are looking for ways to make
TH E N E E D
“We had the car all loaded up and were Beyond making an allocation in his will to In Brian’s case, the endowment’s purpose Bequest continues to pay
headed for the cottage on the Friday of the Society, Brian decided to establish the is two-fold: to fund the best research in dividends in the fight
against cancer
the 2007 Canada Day long weekend when Luba and Brian Marshall Endowment Fund cancer prevention, diagnosis and
we got the call to come in to the hospital to support cancer research. “I chose the treatment in order to save more lives, Half a century ago, hardworking entrepreneur
– urgently,” says retired telecom marketing Society because it’s Canadian, it’s not a as well as to support specific projects Harold Hoar decided to support one of his
favourite charities by naming the Canadian
executive Brian Marshall. government organization, and because of that will improve the quality of life for
Cancer Society in his will. As it turns out,
its highly effective peer-review process for women battling cancers of the uterus, Harold’s bequest helped fund a momentous
For more than a year, Brian’s wife Luba –
allocating research dollars.” especially leiomyosarcoma. discovery in cell biology in the 1960s. Since
whom he first met when they both worked
cancer research is constantly evolving and
at Kodak in Toronto – had been undergoing The original capital donation in a Society building on previous discoveries, Harold’s
various tests related to uterine bleeding. endowment – today, a minimum of bequest in support of cancer research in
He explains that when they arrived at the $100,000 that can be funded over five Ontario continues to pay dividends in the
hospital that afternoon, the doctor said to years using cash, securities, paid-up fight against cancer to this day.
Luba: “It’s leiomyosarcoma – inoperable insurance policies or other assets – A generation later, Paul Turner reflects on his
“I chose the Society because
and incurable. You’ve got three months.” is preserved in perpetuity. The income stepfather’s willingness to help others.
“He had a gleam in his eye whenever he
She was admitted to the hospital two generated is then used for a stated it’s Canadian, it’s not a
weeks later where she received radiation purpose. was particularly pleased about something.
I know he’d be very proud of the impact
treatment and chemotherapy. On October government organization, and
Brian was so impressed by how the his gift has had in the cancer fight
18, just 16 weeks after the diagnosis, Luba
lost her cancer fight.
Society selected its research projects because of its highly effective and the lives it has saved.”
OUR fight
RBC Foundation contributed $50,000 to support the Society’s Lay Health Educator Program.
RBC Foundation LifeLabs
“This program furthered our “Our Relay sponsorship lets us
community support in directly fight cancer.”
northern Ontario.”
“Every human specimen we touch represents
RBC made its first donation to the Society a life,” says Norm Berberich, Senior Manager,
back in 1946 and has made annual gifts to Communications of LifeLabs, the national
the Society since 1960. “RBC Foundation is laboratory testing services business formerly
focused on supporting what is important to known as MDS Diagnostic Services.
our clients, employees and shareholders,” Currently the National Founding Sponsor,
says Gayle Longley, Director, Corporate LifeLabs has been a proud sponsor of the
Donations, RBC Foundation. “Cancer is a Society’s signature fundraising event,
disease that impacts everyone in some Relay For Life, since 2000.
form and since the Society dedicates its
“Relay is embedded in our company’s DNA,”
resources to fighting all cancers and
explains Norm. “The employees in our patient
supporting individuals in their fight, it’s a
service centres and testing labs are on the
natural organization for RBC Foundation
front lines of the cancer fight,” Norm says.
to support.”
“Although they conduct vital cancer screening
RBC Foundation’s support takes two forms, tests and often know cancer patients by name,
Gayle explains. “There’s our grassroots OUR fight LifeLabs employees made a difference by participating in Relay For Life.
they don’t have much opportunity – besides
support of employees for their involvement delivering friendly and comforting service –
with the Society and its work in their towns DUCA Financial “Everyone is affected by cancer,” says Jack
to improve the lives of cancer patients.
and communities; plus our support of Services Credit Vanderkooy, DUCA’s President and CEO.
Participating in Relay gives them a chance
“Even though I personally haven’t been
programs, which help ensure appropriate Union Ltd. affected, we have lost some staff members
to make a real difference.”
services are available for those in need.” “The Society gives us our
chance to fight back.” to cancer over the years and right now a “The Relay sponsorship gives us plenty of
In 2009, RBC Foundation made its staff member and a director are fighting profile at Relay events, but more importantly,
Founded in 1954 in Toronto by a group of
largest-ever gift to Ontario Division: a cancer. Helping the Society gives us our it has allowed us to directly fight cancer,”
Dutch immigrants, DUCA Financial Services
$50,000 contribution to the Society’s Lay chance to fight back.” Norm explains. “For one thing, the $1.6
Credit Union Ltd. today provides full financial
Health Educator Program with a focus on million our company has contributed over
services to close to 35,000 members with its DUCA has always supported many worthy
First Nations communities on Manitoulin the years has helped the Society successfully
12 branches in Southern Ontario. causes, with community health care being
Island, in which community volunteers advocate for improved cancer screening,
encourage their peers to get screened for Since first donating $1,500 back in 2001, one of them, Jack explains. “We specifically
which in turn has led to significant
breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. “This the organization has made corporate choose to support the Canadian Cancer
advancements in patient outcomes.”
program furthered our community support in philanthropic gifts to the Society every Society because it’s a well-respected
northern Ontario, while contributing in a way year. In 2009 it donated $3,000, bringing organization that is fighting cancer on a
that can help save lives,” Gayle says. its cumulative total to close to $20,000. number of fronts, including funding research
and supporting families facing this disease.” $3.7 million
How you can join the fight: Amount contributed by
If your company is looking for a powerful way to make a difference in your community, companies through cash
we can help. Visit www.cancer.ca/impact09. sponsorship and gift-in-kind
support of Relay For Life events
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 23
across the province in 2009-10.
bequest gifts Marilyn Margaret Bohan Margaret Isobel Clemens Alexandria Jessie Fennell Doris May Herridge
24
Archibald D. Leitch Dora Miller Margaret Mae Quance Evelyn May Sitzer Neil VanVliet
Kathleen Theresa Leonard Mildred Evelyn Milton Elizabeth Hardy Quemby Jeanne Siviter Margaret Troop Vaughan
Carman Albert Lewis Egbert Minott Douglas Ross Quigley Edward James Smiley Marion Veinot
Vernon Leslie Lindo Lawrence Bert Morgan Keith Allen Rafuse Doris Kathleen Smith Selena Anna Mary Verschingel
Roy Carl Lindstrom Charlotte Dale Morrison Andrea Irene Redman Elinor Thomasina Smith Douglas S. Vickery
Marguerita (Margaret) Evelyn Linstead Armand Morrow Marie Brickley Reid Elizabeth Ann Smith Barbara Eileen Vincent
Alice Lister Esther Moscoe Leida Reimo Marion Margaret Smith John Allen Wakeling
Frank Joseph Lloyd Mavis Audry Pamela Mulholland Colin Stewart Ridgway Maurice Vernon Smith Janet Wallace
Dora Helen Lord Winnifred Jean Marie Murray Monique Gertrude Riese Catherine Alice Snelling (Snellings) Margaret Elinor Waller
Gertrude May Lough Lucienne Rosalie Myers Irene May Rinch May Sonley Leonard Sydney George Ward
Margarete Lukaczyk Martha Elizabeth Myerscough Janet MacTavish Ritchie Ethel Jean Southworth Irene Gordon Warnock
Evelyn Patricia Lyons Helen Sparling Frederick Keith Warren
Richard Harold Newns Audrey Ethel Robbins
Marjorie Kathleen MacKay Harold William Spooner Mary Elizabeth Warren
John Stanley Norman Cecil Roberts
Hampton Albert MacKenzie Kathleen Marie St. Louis Charles Edward Watters
Theresa Jean Nowitsky Abigail Rosemary Robertson
Annie Macko Helen Allen Stacey Catherine Josephine Webber
Selby Frank Thomas O’Brien Douglas Robertson
May Steel Marjorie Elizabeth Webster
Joanna Marion Askin MacMicking Stella Patricia O’Brien Viola Eileen Robinson
Lois Elinor Stevens Lillian Olive Weese
Susan Mary MacNabb Lillian Josephine O’Connor Edward Samuel Rogers, in memory of
Gladys Isabelle Stevenson Charles Weir
Dorothy Allison Mann Dorothy K. O’Heron, in memory of her his mother, Velma Melissa Rogers Graham
Esther Barbara Stewart Gladys Rosabel Wharram
James Sherman Marks husband, Tim O’Heron Anne Roody
Georgina Lillian Stewart Leslie David Wheeler
Alfred Francis Marples Gladys Mary O’Ray Harvey Ross
Agnes (Nancy) Hunter Stiles Harold Ernest White
Alexander Murdock Marshall Adrianna Jean O’Rourke Olivia Roth
Hugh Allan Supple Lillian E. White
Annie Margaret Marshall Lorna Myrtle Obee Flora Edith Rowlandson
John Marshall Swan Paul Sanson White
Mary Elizabeth Marshall Arthur Laurence Oborn Vera Eve Rudnicki
Minnie Jean Switzer William D. White
Vera Mae Mason Ella Ojasson Andre Ruiter
Violet Marjorie Sword Alvin Richard Wilkinson
John Lewis Mayhew Eugene Oliarnyk Cornelis Ruiter
Pauline Margaret Taylor Eileen Nora Williams
James Mayne Helen Patricia Oliver Norah Kathleen Rutherford
Clifford Thayer Zelda C. Williams-Soobrian
Helen Marie McAninch Ruby Openshaw Thomas Tomoya Sagara Robert Wayne Thomas Delora Pearl Wilson
Georgina Ann McArthur Michelle L. Ouellet Harold Edwin Sanders Thomas George Thompson Isabel Margaret Wilson
Zelda Myra Elizabeth McCaw Francis A. Ouellette Audrey Scatcherd William Thompson Margaret Evelyn Wilson
Charlotte McClatchie William H. Owen Edith Joicey Schaus George Samuel Thomson Isobel Blake Winnett
Wilfred Whyte McCutcheon Phyllis Mary Parker Faith Ethel Schnarr Florilla Etta Aletha Timpany Edward Leslie Witting
Doreen Marguerite McDougall George Domain Parsons Jean Velma Scott Gordon Tough Catherine Alberta Wonnacott
Barbara Jean McGregor Mary Bevan Pasis Muriel Verona Searle Douglas Godfrey Townsend Margaret Hancock Wooding-Deane
Wellington M. McIlwain Philippa Agnes Pemberton Raymond Alexander Seguin Elizabeth Marjorie Tozer Robert Sidney Woodward
Patricia McIntyre Florence Elizabeth Pennington Dorothy Harriet Shannon Harry Alger Tregaskes Orville & Alvera Woolacott
Shirley Ann McKelvey Ivan Perschbacher Francis Patrick Shaughnessy Irene Eva Tribble Charles Albert Wright
Ethel McKendry Lillian Ethel Norine Pincombe Kenneth George Henry Shellington Sylvia Van Der Hout Charles E. Wright
Sarah Jean Opal McMullen Helga Pogue Eleanor L. Sheppard Samuel Van Hulstyn Gertrude Wright
Donalda Marian McNaughton Lillian Poland Doreen Patricia (Patricia Doreen) Shortt Wilma Van Huygevoort Jacqueline Yvette Yorke
Maggie May McQuade Lula Pearl Porter May Sills Arie Van Rhyn Helen Zamon
Shirley Anne Meen William Lyle Preston Jean Simard Mabel Elizabeth Jean Vance Giuseppina Zavarella
Margery Penfold Meloche Ina Mable Prier Annie Sutherland Sinclair John Joseph Vangeffen
John Mezek Gladys Quaile Antonia Anita Sipos Elizabeth Vanleeuwen
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 25
Ontario Impact Report Astral Media Radio Group DMW Electrical Instrumentation Inc.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 27
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR, ABOUT THE IMPACT REPORT
AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE
As we continue to “fight back” against cancer, I am proud to say that the Canadian The Canadian Cancer Society’s Ontario Division (“Division”) Audited Financial
Cancer Society, Ontario Division remained financially strong in 2009-10. Throughout Statements have been summarized to provide the financial information reported in
this past year, we maintained a wide donor base and gained support from both new this Impact Report and have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally
and old donors to ensure that we can continue to make more impact, against more accepted accounting principles.
cancers, in more communities, than any other cancer charity.
INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Last year’s economic downturn was a difficult time for all charitable organizations. The Division commits to fundraising practices that respect donors’ rights to privacy
But as a fiscally responsible organization with a fighting resilience, the Society is and truthful information, to responsibly manage the funds entrusted to the Division
emerging from the recession in solid shape. Despite the shaky economy, the Society by donors, and to report financial affairs accurately and completely.
was still able to generate $85 million in revenue – down from the previous year – but The Division is a registered charity under the Income Tax Act and files the annual
we were prudent by ensuring that we had many revenue streams to allow our donors Registered Charity Information Return with the Canada Revenue Agency and
to provide donations in any way that they could. meets all requirements to maintain its charitable status.
To combat the reduced revenue, the Society took strategic measures to reduce costs STRONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
where it was appropriate while continuing to focus on our key vision – to create a A volunteer Board of Directors from communities across the province sets policy,
world where no Canadian fears cancer. An impressive $24.7 million was dedicated establishes strategic direction and governs Division activities in co-operation with
towards funding research to outsmart cancer – an area that has the promise to unlock management. The Board directs its Audit & Finance Committee, independent of
tomorrow’s breakthroughs – while we continued to invest in community support management and comprised of skilled professionals, to oversee the effectiveness
services and fight for healthy public policies that improved the health of Ontarians. of internal controls over financial reporting, ensure Division assets are safeguarded,
We anticipate that the upcoming fiscal year will continue to be a challenging time and review and monitor the quality and integrity of our financial statements.
for the Society. As such, we have reviewed our resource balances and our KPMG LLP, our independent external auditor, report directly to the Audit & Finance
investment portfolio to ensure that we can continue to fulfill our mission by doing Committee and has unrestricted access to this Committee to discuss their audit
everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with and related findings.
the disease. We have a very strong balance sheet and will continue to ensure the
RESOURCES
prudent use of the gifts we receive from our donors.
The Division’s biggest asset is its 65,000 enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers.
As the Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, I want to personally thank our donors, Our programs benefit from substantial services in the form of this volunteer time.
volunteers and staff as we could not continue to be the cancer charity that is hav- Since these invaluable donated services are not purchased by the Division, they
ing the biggest impact on the fight against cancer without you. Please continue to are not recorded in the financial statements.
support the organization through everything that you do, whether it is with your time,
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
voice and actions or donations, so that we can win the fight against cancer.
In order to ensure sufficient resources are available to fund priorities established by
the Division’s strategic plan and to take advantage of emerging opportunities, the
Board of Directors has set aside a portion of the Division’s net assets. These internally
restricted amounts are not available for any other purposes without approval of the
Lisa Coulman Board. Funds have also been set aside for an operating reserve. This is a standard
Chair, Audit & Finance Committee business practice and would provide continued funding of operations if the Division
was to experience a temporary deficit.
28
FINANCIAL POSITION OPERATIONS
January 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009 Year ended January 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009
(in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars)
ASSETS REVENUE
Current Assets Community fundraising 22,461 25,132
Cash and investments 28,898 25,873 Major and planned gifts 18,457 23,688
Other 2,529 3,006 Relay For Life 17,844 17,864
31,427 28,879 Direct response 10,101 9,952
Corporate 4,434 4,604
Long-term investments 16,011 20,003 Net proceeds from lottery 2,319 1,048
Capital and other assets 4,985 3,674 Government-sponsored projects 5,364 5,991
20,996 23,677 Other income 3,847 3,154
84,827 91,433
52,423 52,556 Less direct costs 12,218 12,235
Net revenue 72,609 79,198
LIABILITIES
EXPENDITURES
Current Liabilities 12,212 5,996 Research 24,683 27,212
Other Liabilities 7,556 7,208 Support for people living with cancer 16,312 16,348
19,768 13,204 Prevention 8,658 8,039
Information 5,398 5,927
RESOURCES 32,655 39,352 Advocacy 2,455 2,623
52,423 52,556 Fundraising 18,989 16,182
Management and general 2,811 3,254
79,306 79,585
The above data has been extracted and summarized from the 2010 (6,697) (387)
Decrease in resources
Audited Financial Statements of the Division. A complete set of
financial statements is available upon request.
Fighting back... Canadian Cancer Society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2009 - 2010 29
2009 - 2010 ONTARIO DIVISION PROVINCIAL BOARD AND COMMITTEES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010 AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Marion Kirsh*, Chair Linda Penn* Lisa Coulman, Chair
THORNHILL TORONTO B RAMPTON
Ron Olsen
KANATA
Don Paterson
THUNDER BAY
30
The paper used in this Impact Report
contains 100% post-consumer fibre.
When you want to know more about cancer
Visit our website at www.cancer.ca. Call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333. E-mail us at [email protected].
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division | 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500 | Toronto, Ontario M4V 2Y7
To download a copy of the Impact Report in English or French, visit www.cancer.ca/impact09.