On average, 641 Canadians were diagnosed with some form of cancer every day in 2022.
That sobering statistic from the Canadian Cancer Society is one of many reasons why several 鶹AV auto dealers came together to raise $230,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation.
The campaign, which involved 17 dealers, ran from Aug. 1 to Sep. 30.
“Cancer is a disease that has touched so many people’s lives,” said Aaron Fanslau, 鶹AV Auto Dealers Association (KADA) president. “I lost a sister to it.”
The money raised by the dealerships will go towards the new, state-of-the-art systemic cancer therapy suite planned for BC Cancer 鶹AV.
“Our goal was to make sure that whatever we do has a big impact on 鶹AV specifically, it seemed like a natural partnership for us,” Fanslau added.
The dealerships had set an initial target of $200,000.
“We just asked who can help, who can support this, let’s give back to the community,” Fanslau said.
He pointed out that most of the new car dealerships in the city are operated by people who live here.
“People who have deep roots in this community and care about this community.”
The systemic suite will increase BC Cancer 鶹AV’s capacity to deliver drug therapy treatments and bring the latest in cutting-edge research and therapies to the Interior.
It will also bring early-phase clinical trials to the Okanagan ensuring patients have access to the latest, life-saving treatments closer to home without needing to travel for care.
Editor’s note: participating dealerships included Audi 鶹AV, August Mazda, Harmony Acura, Harmony Honda, 鶹AV Ford Lincoln, 鶹AV Infiniti Nissan, 鶹AV Mercedes-Benz, 鶹AV Subaru, 鶹AV Toyota, Land Rover Jaguar Volvo 鶹AV, Lexus of 鶹AV, Okanagan Dodge, Orchard Ford, Porsche 鶹AV, Turner Volkswagen, and Valley Mitsubishi.
READ MORE: 2 Oliver men take joy ride on stolen ATV, apprehended in 鶹AV
READ MORE: B.C. man takes 1-tonne pumpkin on road trip to win California weigh-off