CCS and American Cancer Society to benefit from awareness and fundraising efforts in unprecedented three-year affiliation
TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) today unveiled a three-year partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL®), NHL Foundation and National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) for their annual Hockey Fights Cancer™ Campaign. The campaign, which unites the hockey community – from players and coaches to fans and supporters – to help cancer patients and their families, will feature awareness and fundraising efforts throughout the month of November and beyond. Nicholle Anderson – wife of Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson and a cancer survivor – has been named an official Hockey Fights Cancer™ ambassador. The American Cancer Society is the charity partner in the U.S.
"While Hockey Fights Cancer is a well-known campaign now in its 19th year, this is the first time the NHL has entered into a North American partnership with two lead charities – the Canadian Cancer Society in Canada and the American Cancer Society in the United States," says Lynne Hudson, President & CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "With 1 in 2 Canadians being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we are thrilled to have the hockey community behind us to help increase our impact on vital support programs for cancer patients across the country."
The campaign will generate awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society's lodges, transportation programs and support services. For cancer patients, a welcoming, caring environment can help meet the practical and emotional needs of those in treatment far away from home. CCS operates seven lodges across the country that provide meals, accommodations, transportation, workshops, activities, and emotional support for hundreds of cancer patients each day. Peer support groups and transportation programs, offering assistance for patients to get to their treatments, are also available across Canada. Donations to the NHL Foundation through HockeyFightsCancer.com and proceeds from various campaign efforts will go toward cancer care including these cancer care facilities and programs to help support patients undergoing treatment.
New this season, Nicholle Anderson will be an ambassador for the campaign. Nicholle was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that effects the nose and throat, in 2016. Following several months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she officially became cancer-free in May 2017. As a Hockey Fights Cancer ambassador, Anderson has visited the CCS lodge in Montreal and will share stories of the impact of CCS's programs and services on cancer patients. A video of Nicholle's lodge visit will be available this month on NHL.com and cancer.ca.
Fans can get involved by making a donation online at HockeyFightsCancer.com, purchasing Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise at shop.nhl.com and by sharing their stories on social media using the official hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, CCS 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 Hockey Fights Cancer
Since the inception of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative in 1998, the Hockey Fights Cancer programs of the National Hockey League Foundation (in the US) and NHL Foundation (in Canada), along with NHL supporters and fans, have donated more than $18 million to support national and local cancer research institutions, children's hospitals, player charities, and local charities. Lavender, the official color of Hockey Fights Cancer, represents all cancers and will be featured prominently throughout the campaign. To join the conversation, use the official hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer. The NHL Foundation retains full discretion and control over all funds received by it.
NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks and Hockey Fights Cancer name and logo and Every Save Counts are trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. All Rights Reserved.
SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
For further information: Camille Beaubien, Sr. Manager, Communications, Canadian Cancer Society, Camille.Beaubien@cancer.ca, 416-323-7181; Greg McIsaac, Greg McIsaac Communications, gregmcisaac@yahoo.ca, 416-458-3591
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