Celebrating three decades with special partner UFCW during the entire month of December

250,000 members. Over 28 years. Over $28 million to find a cure.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada announces the inaugural UFCW Day, and pays tribute the entire month of December

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Monday December 2^nd marked the First annual "UFCW Day", launched by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) to highlight their 28 year long partnership fighting blood cancers.  LLSC staff members and volunteers from across Canada, took to the streets visiting the UFCW local offices for the inaugural event; with homemade goods, balloons and treats in tow, to say THANK YOU!

With the support of thousands of local union members across the country, LLSC has made significant advances in the fight against blood cancer. In the 28+ years of their partnership, the survival rate for the most common form of leukemia has increased by more than 60%; which has translated into thousands of lives saved.

"Over the past years, our commitment to the LLSC has made for a tremendous, life-fulfilling partnership and we look forward to continuing it for as long as it takes to make all blood cancers a thing of the past." explains Wayne Hanley, President, UFCW Canada

To celebrate this special partnership, LLSC secretly planned appreciation events on December 2^nd in various UFCW local offices across Canada, and have dedicated an entire month of "Thank You's" to the union through the national and regional LLSC social media accounts. The UFCW has been fundraising for the LLSC for years through local raffles, tournaments, family events, and by participating in LLSC hosted events such as Light The Night and Team In Training.  Local 12R24 and their corporate partner The Beer Store, have even created their own event "Returns for Leukemia", a bottle drive held across Ontario the weekend after Victoria Day , which raised $1.7 million this year alone.

As a voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer, The LLSC has invested over $28 million dollars in blood cancer research since 1955, bringing us closer than ever to realizing a world without blood cancers. LLSC has achieved its leadership position through the ongoing support of partners such as UFCW and through forging partnerships with biotechnology companies, academia and medical centers to develop more quickly the next round of potential blood cancer therapies. In 2012, LLS & LLSC committed over $6 million to cutting-edge Canadian research projects including 24 research grants, 9 studentships and 1 research partnership .

Thanks to the generous donations from the UFCW that helped fund innovative research in the last 28 years, more than 100,000 Canadians affected by blood cancer can benefit from a higher quality of life. We are on the threshold of amazing breakthroughs and dollars raised by committed individuals accelerate miraculous new treatments and healing therapies once thought impossible.

"Across this land, UFCW Canada members and their union remain absolutely committed to a future that is free of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. We are hopeful - and confident - that by working together we will get there." --National President, Wayne Hanley

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada® (LLSC) is Canada's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLSC mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada and provides free information and support services.  Charitable Business Number: 10762 3654 RR0001 www.LLSCanada.org

About UFCW Canada

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada is Canada's leading and most progressive union representing more than 250,000 Canadian workers in every aspect of the food industry, as well as other service, commercial, processing, manufacturing, technical and professional occupations.  Together, they aim to build a stronger future for UFCW Canada Members, Families and Communities, while protecting and promoting employees rights and social justice for all.

SOURCE: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Simon Ip
National Communications Manager
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