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Kootenay Savings gives $25,000 to fight cancer

Contributor
By Contributor
May 5th, 2015

Kootenay Savings Credit Union announced today a gift of $25,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society.

This generous gift will establish the Kootenay Savings Community Catalyst Fund and will support Canadian Cancer Society community events in the Kootenay region, such as Relay for Life, Slopes for Hope, and the Best Friends Bash.

“We are extremely grateful to Kootenay Savings for this most generous gift,” says Jenn Smith, Community Giving Coordinator for the Southern Interior Region, Canadian Cancer Society. “They are a long-time supporter of ours and we’re so pleased that they’ve chosen to deepen the relationship even further by committing to this multi-year partnership.”

Community events are a vital source of funding for the Canadian Cancer Society. Every donation made brings the society one step closer to preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, improving treatment and helping people live longer, healthier lives.

“We count on partners like Kootenay Savings to help us make real and significant progress against this disease,” says Smith. “It’s because of them, and all of our generous donors and volunteers, that we are funding the best cancer research and helping families facing cancer today with programs like our Financial Support Program.”

Kootenay Savings Credit Union has been supporting the Canadian Cancer Society for well over a decade, investing tens of thousands of dollars, and countless hours of volunteer time, at a number of local community events.

“Community is very important to us,” says Aron Burke, Community Liaison for Kootenay Savings. “By supporting Canadian Cancer Society events, we feel like we can make a real difference where we live. As an organization that has, unfortunately, had a number of employees and their families affected by cancer over the years, it’s very important for us to support the Cancer Society’s mission of eradicating cancer.  Establishing the Kootenay Savings Community Catalyst Fund is a way for us to honour those who have been affected and reinforces our commitment to helping enhance the quality of life of Canadians, especially Kootenay residents, living with cancer.”

More about the partnership

Kootenay Savings has committed $25,000 to establish a Catalyst Fund. A Catalyst Fund is a new, flexible way to help create a future where no Canadian ever needs to fear cancer again. With a commitment of $25,000 – over a period of up to 5 years – donors establish a fund, choose a name (family name or in honour of loved one) and they can also choose to designate their gift to the program or research area of choice.

“Kootenay Savings’ decision to create a Catalyst Fund is very significant for us,” says Jenn Smith, Community Coordinator for the Southern Interior Region, Canadian Cancer Society. “It represents a commitment to our communities for a lengthy period of time and it means that they can increase their impact in the fight against all cancers.”

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever.

While cancer takes a huge toll on Canadians it’s important to remember that progress has been made against this disease. In the 1940s, the survival rate was 25%. Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis, thanks in large part to Society-funded cancer research.And the survival rates for some cancers are much higher — with childhood cancer at 83%, breast at 88% and prostate at 96%. Learn more at cancer.ca

About Kootenay Savings Credit Union

With corporateoffices in Trail, Kootenay Savings is a member-owned financial co-operative with twelve branches throughout the Kootenays, over $1 billion in assets, 39,000 members and over 200 employees.  As well, Kootenay Savings operates a Community Foundation, delivers wealth management strategies through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kootenay Savings MoneyWorks and auto and general insurance through Kootenay Insurance Services.

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