A virtual fundraising event held in Sudbury has succeeded in raising nearly $20,000 for the Northern Cancer Foundation.
The money will be used toward breast cancer research and the purchase of an IncuCyte S3 Live Cell Analysis system to provide improved care for breast cancer patients. A cheque presentation event was held Thursday.
The event also drew attention to the difficulties charitable organizations everywhere are having in raising funds for their favourite organizations at a time when so many restrictions are in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The long-established Luncheon of Hope, which usually brings hundreds of supporters together each year for a sumptuous meal, had to be held as a virtual online event this year on September 25, 2020.
While the event had guest speakers, donors purchased a ticket but they ate their own meals at home or in the office. Meri-Lynn Butler, the chair of the luncheon organizing committee said the event featured several online speakers who spoke about the importance of the research being done at the Northeast Cancer Centre (NECC), at HSN and the HSN Research Institute.
She added that the 22-year history of generosity for the Luncheon of Hope continued despite the pandemic.
"From the bottom of our hearts — on behalf of the whole committee — we are so delighted with the response we had this year," said Butler.
"This year has certainly been one of great indecision and uncertainty and to have the community step forward with this amount of proceeds, with 100 per cent staying local, staying in Sudbury to improve patient care, faster diagnosis and improved treatment; we are absolutely thrilled with the response," she added.
"At a time when all of us need a little hope, this was the hope we were asking for," said Butler.
The success of the event was also noted by Anthony Keating, president and chief development officer for the foundation and volunteer groups at Health Sciences North.
"We were very excited to see the Luncheon of Hope continue successfully despite the changes we encountered this year," said Keating. He added that the Northern Cancer Centre has seen more than 1200 breast cancer patients in each of the last two years. He said that demonstrates the importance of continuing the fund raising efforts for the NECC.
