Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation finalize merger

Unprecedented partnership showcases leadership in Canada's evolving non-profit sector

TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) are pleased to confirm – on the eve of World Cancer Day – that on February 1, the merger of the two charities was completed. The consolidation was finalized after both organizations conducted a period of due diligence. The new organization will be stronger and better able to increase impact on cancer research and support programs across all cancers while also increasing operational efficiencies.  

"Together, we are committed to doing things more efficiently, and our merger will redefine the cancer charity sector in Canada," says Robert Lawrie, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian Cancer Society. "In order to continue our work towards our vision of a world where no Canadian fears cancer, consolidation is the most responsible option. It will allow us to eliminate expensive duplication of efforts and to focus our donors' funding on cancer research, information, advocacy and support programs."

With Canadians facing an almost 40 per cent surge in cancer cases by 2030, this groundbreaking amalgamation allows CCS to amplify the impact of donor dollars on vital support services and cancer research, and improve the way it helps people living with and affected by cancer.

As part of the announcement, it was confirmed that a total collaborative investment of $12 million by Peter Gilgan and the Canadian Cancer Society will establish The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women's Cancers at Women's College Hospital (WCH) – a major initiative to transform care for women's cancers on a national scale. The centre will draw together excellence in research, clinical care, innovation and education – and then leverage that knowledge across the country.

"We're thrilled to have developed this new partnership with Women's College Hospital and are very proud to join Peter Gilgan in supporting WCH to develop a national strategy on care for women's cancers," says Lynne Hudson, President and CEO of Canadian Cancer Society. "Our vision is to empower women and their families by transforming care for women's cancers nationwide."

"Now more than ever, it is vital that we maximize donor dollars by sharing best practices," adds Hudson. "Moving forward, we are going to be looking to other partners – at the local, provincial and national levels – to help us deliver and enhance our services. I have every confidence that CCS and CBCF will join forces in a way that will make us better positioned to serve Canadians coast to coast."

Join the conversation using #TogetherWeAreStronger on social media and follow CCS at Twitter.com/CancerSociety and Facebook.com/CanadianCancerSociety. 

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. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

About Breast Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society
On February 1, 2017, CCS and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) joined forces to increase operational efficiencies and further our impact on cancer research and support programs. Over the past 30 years, CCS has invested $1.2 billion in cancer research – including over $100 million in breast cancer research. Since its inception in 1986, CBCF has invested over $360 million in breast cancer research, funding more than 1,400 scientific and community grants. This unprecedented merger allows the new Canadian Cancer Society to accelerate the impact of donor dollars on cancer research and vital support services for people living with and affected by cancer. Visit cancer.ca for more information.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

For further information: Rosie Hales Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, rosie.hales@cancer.ca, 416-934-5338; Anthony Ou, Brand Communications Specialist, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, aou@cbcf.org, 416-263-7917

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cancer.ca