Minutes of Meeting of March 29, 2006
Posted by Paul LeRoy
Our guest speaker was Kristi Cross, Manager of the Oxford County Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society. She shared some statistical information regarding this volunteer based organization. There are just three staff members in the Oxford County Unit, with the balance of the work provided by a variety of volunteers. Of the funds raised, 50% goes toward research, 42% to local community services and 8% to administration (which is the lowest in the charitable sector).
While 2 in 5 Canadians are affected by cancer, as a result of the research 2 in 5 now survive and live longer. 60 years ago it was just 1 in 5. In 2005 $21 million went to Ontario researchers. The Cancer Society provides information, including information on prevention and risk reduction, as well as support services, transportation services and advocacy through government and public lobbying.
Kristi provided details of the Relay For Life fundraiser and shared a video presentation. The Relay originally started in the United States and was piloted in Ottawa in 1999. It is a national community event for the Cancer Society that involves 12 hours overnight of fun, friendship and fundraising. It started in Woodstock in 2000 and in six years has raised nearly $1 million. In Oxford County a total of $2.2 million has been raised. There are 200 volunteers who organize the event in Woodstock. For more information about the Relay For Life or any of the Canadian Cancer Society's services, you can visit www.cancer.ca
Kristi provided details of the Relay For Life fundraiser and shared a video presentation. The Relay originally started in the United States and was piloted in Ottawa in 1999. It is a national community event for the Cancer Society that involves 12 hours overnight of fun, friendship and fundraising. It started in Woodstock in 2000 and in six years has raised nearly $1 million. In Oxford County a total of $2.2 million has been raised. There are 200 volunteers who organize the event in Woodstock. For more information about the Relay For Life or any of the Canadian Cancer Society's services, you can visit www.cancer.ca