Astellas Pharma Canada Partners with Camp Trillium for Seventh Annual Changing Tomorrow Day

Astellas to donate $25,000 in support of inaugural program 'CampOut for Cancer'

TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, approximately 100 Astellas Pharma Canada ("Astellas") employees are spending the day volunteering at Camp Trillium as part of the company's annual global day of service, Changing Tomorrow Day. Astellas will also be helping to change tomorrow by supporting Camp Trillium's inaugural fundraising initiative 'CampOut for Cancer', and will be donating $25,000 in support of the program. 'CampOut for Cancer' is a fun, creative and inclusive virtual camping experience that raises funds peer-to-peer while creating new kinds of camp memories.

"Astellas and Astellas USA Foundation have been long-time supporters of Camp Trillium's programs for children living with cancer," said Marci Shea Perry, Executive Director of Camp Trillium. "This year, Astellas employees will make their way to Camp Trillium and participate in activities that will ensure that the camp is kept in good condition year round. Without the efforts of volunteers, Camp Trillium would struggle to prepare for fall programs. We are so grateful for Astellas and the Astellas USA Foundation's support."

Camp Trillium is a provincial childhood cancer charity that provides recreational and camping programs for children living with cancer and their families. The camp has two sites located in the province of Ontario. Astellas employees will be spending the day at the Waterford campsite and will help prepare the facility for the winter months by painting, staining, cleaning and doing light construction.

"Astellas is excited to return to Camp Trillium for Changing Tomorrow Day and continue to help this very special organization that brings joy and healing to families dealing with severe childhood illness," said Michael Tremblay, president of Astellas Pharma Canada. "This year's activity is made unique by the support of the 'CampOut for Cancer' program, which is an incredible way to raise awareness and funds to help kids living with cancer."

Each year, Astellas employees around the world contribute to their local communities through Changing Tomorrow Day. A series of company-sponsored volunteer events, Changing Tomorrow Day is the heart and passion of our employees helping others to live better.

In Canada, other Changing Tomorrow Day activities will take place in the fall to support local communities in Ontario, including packing kits to support Syrian refugees.  Throughout the Americas, Changing Tomorrow Day activities will take place on Sept. 30 when employees in the United States and Brazil will participate in various local volunteer activities including supporting patients living with HIV, people with disabilities and underserved children.  Astellas Americas has committed to 15,000 volunteerism hours in 2016, pushing to have a greater impact each year. 

About Camp Trillium
Camp Trillium provides recreational and camping programs for children living with cancer and their families in the province of Ontario.  54 programs operate year-round in 12 communities. Camp Trillium Rainbow Lake, located in Waterford and where the volunteer work day will occur, is a year round camp that delivers programs for over 1,000 campers living with cancer each year.

About CampOut for Cancer
CampOut for Cancer was created to encourage individuals to follow their heart in dreaming up their own fun and unusual camping adventure. CampOut for Cancer is a way for everyone in Ontario to support the work of Camp Trillium. By camping out on October 14, 2017, individuals will join thousands of Camp Trillium's campers throughout the province to raise money to send kids living with cancer and their families to camp. Visit www.campoutforcancer.com to register and receive a CampOut Camp Kit. Registration begins September, 2017.

About Astellas Corporate Social Responsibility
Astellas is committed to striving toward sustainable enhancement of enterprise value while remaining acutely aware of its social responsibilities. Since the healthy development of society is a prerequisite for the sustainable growth of the company, Astellas uses this approach as a cornerstone for all of its corporate activities.

About Astellas USA Foundation
Astellas USA Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporate foundation that awards grants to support charitable, scientific, literary and educational programs. To learn more about Astellas USA Foundation, visit www.astellasusafoundation.org.

About Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., headquartered in Markham, ON, is a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. In Canada, Astellas has an intense commercial focus on the following therapeutic areas – Urology, Immunology, Infectious Disease and Oncology. For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit the corporate website: www.astellas.ca

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.

Michelle Reale, Corporate Communications, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., [phone], [email protected]