General Information

• Founded in 1938, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is a national, community based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
  
  
• The Canadian Cancer Society is the only cancer organization in Canada the provides leading financial support for excellence in cancer research and delivery of community-based programs for all types of cancer.
  
  
• One of 10 divisions across Canada, the BC & Yukon Division is organized into 6 regions and 60 community offices or resource centres supported by over 5000 volunteers.
  
  
• The best and most consistent name recognition of any cancer-related organization.
  
  
• In 2000, $18 million was raised in BC from public and corporate support; only 7% of revenues come from the government to support our lodges and other program services.
  
  
• The CCS is the leader in funding peer-reviewed cancer research in Canada. In 2000, over $40 million was raised for research nationally and close to $5 million was awarded to cancer researchers in BC.
  
  
• Community Service Programs: 3 lodges (Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver), Volunteer Drivers, Emergency Financial Aid, Peer Support Programs.
  
  
• Camps: Camp Goodtimes for children with a history of cancer; Camp Ogopogo for teens with a history of cancer; and the Care and Share Family Camp in Prince George for families with children living with cancer.
  
  
• Toll free telephone Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333 available to the public with links to local health resources, information on cancer and research, confidential advice on financial support and referrals to local peer support, all delivered by trained volunteer information specialists in a compassionate manner.
  
  
• Initiatives in prevention: smoking cessation programs, breast health promotion, sun safety for children and adults, healthy diet choices
  
  
• Prominent advocacy: for tobacco reduction (ie. sales to minors, smoke-free public places); for government funding of Prostate Specific Antigen test for men who choose to have it after being informed about its nature; for lower cost of treatment-related drugs.
  
  
• A leader in diversity: on the Board of Directors, among volunteer support groups, on the Cancer Information Service Line, with volunteer drivers and at the staff level.
  
  
• Additional Information: www.bc.cancer.ca