Canadian Cancer Society helps launch "GivingTuesday" in Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - A special day of charity has been created to kick off this holiday season. The first annual Canadian "GivingTuesday" on Tuesday, December 3 follows a successful launch of the day in the US last year. Giving Tuesday will be one special day each year at the beginning of the holiday season when Canadians are encouraged to find ways to give back to charitable causes that are important to them, whether through donations or volunteering. The Canadian Cancer Society, urges people throughout Ontario to remember those touched by cancer at this holiday time, and especially on this special day of charity.

"Every three minutes another Canadian hears the words 'you have cancer,'" says Susan Drodge, Director, Corporate and Community Partnerships and Donor Services, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "Donors are essential to the Society's success and on this special day of charity we urge people to give generously so we can continue our work to stop cancer in its tracks. Every dollar donated to the Society will help us continue our efforts to prevent cancer, improve survival rates and provide support for those living with the disease."

Almost half of all Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetimes and it is the leading cause of death in this country. Last year, an estimated 187,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 75,500 Canadians died from the disease.

GivingTuesday was created in the US by 92^nd Street Y, which led the inaugural 2012 movement in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and a group of founding partners. Over 2,500 partners came together across the US for the first GivingTuesday, resulting in a 487 per cent increase in online donations to charities compared to the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving the previous year. (In the US, GivingTuesday follows Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday).

All Canadians, including businesses, media and individuals, are encourage to join in making a pledge to make Canada's first annual GivingTuesday a great success.

In Canada, GivingTuesday was initiated by CanadaHelps and GIV3. The Canadian Cancer Society is happy to be a participating charity.

To donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, visit www.convio.cancer.ca or GivingTuesday

About the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division

For 75 years, the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. Visit cancer.ca or call us at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).-939-3333 (TTY: 1-866-786-3934).

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

Michael Sheiner
Senior Advisor, Communications
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
[email protected]
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