The BC Cancer Foundation has launched a massive $15-million fundraising campaign to fully fund the purchase and renovation of 2340 Richmond Rd. in Victoria, and support BC Cancer–Victoria’s research and clinical trials programs.
This is the first time in the foundation’s history that donors will fully fund the purchase of a building.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vancouver Island’s generous community to bring this first-of-its-kind expansion for BC Cancer–Victoria to life,” said Sarah Roth, president and CEO, BC Cancer Foundation, in a statement.
The 12,000-square-foot building will establish the BC Cancer–Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion. Located less than 250 metres from BC Cancer–Victoria’s existing facilities, it will expand BC Cancer’s campus and house many of the centre’s supportive care services, while allowing staff to work seamlessly between the two buildings. In addition, a number of clinical and administration teams will also be moved into the space.
Supportive care programs are therapies that help patients and families prevent or manage the adverse side effects of cancer and its treatment – both physical and psychological — from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship or palliative care.
According to the foundation, research shows that having a separate space for these services benefits patients immensely, as “returning to the place where they received treatment can be triggering,” it said in a news release.
The remaining portion of the campaign will support BC Cancer–Victoria’s research and clinical trials programs.
“We are truly grateful for the support of the BC Cancer Foundation and their generous donors. This campaign will enable us to greatly enhance the care we deliver to patients and their families,” said Kelly Nystedt, executive director, BC Cancer–Victoria.
The launch, held on Friday (Oct. 27), was accompanied by two lead gifts: a $500,000 donation from Lynda and Murray Farmer, who are also serving as the campaign’s honourary co-chairs, and a $2.5-million gift from Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich.
For more details on the campaign, visit this website.
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