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BC Cancer Foundation Golf Classic in Memory of Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins raises over $60k for cancer research and care

August 29, 2011

Found in News

KELOWNA, August 29, 2011 – Over 120 golfers and dinner guests supported this year’s tournament—joined by members of Sindi’s family—honouring Sindi’s compelling legacy by continuing her philanthropic spirit and fundraising for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Rupie Sachdeva, Sindi’s sister says, “She wanted to change everything for the better — her devotion and passion for bettering cancer care was endless.

Research offered her newer therapies— Sindi was given new hope, and the gift of more precious time. She lived to see, and benefit from, significant advances in cancer care, as ongoing research in B.C. was put into practice.”

Sindi started the Sindi Hawkins and Friends Charity Golf Classic in 1996— long before her own cancer diagnosis. Over a 14 year history, the tournament has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for improvements to the BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior Centre and leading-edge cancer research.

“Through all of her efforts, Sindi helped fundraise over $20 million for cancer research and care in B.C., and inspired others to do the same. We are committed to growing this amount in her memory. The future of improved cancer treatments and better outcomes rests in the hands of our researchers and physicians who are on an incredible journey of discovery,” says Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.

A highlight of the evening came during the live auction when Dr. Richard Hooper, a local cardiologist and Don Murdock of Meyers Norris & Penny LLP purchased the 2004 Memorial Cup Rockets jersey, signed by the entire Kelowna Rockets team and presented to Sindi by Shea Weber, former Rockets player now with the NHL’s Nashville Predators. The pair generously donated the jersey to BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior for display. The jersey, which will be framed and mounted, was presented to Dr. Marianne Taylor of the BC Cancer Agency and Cynthia Waldek-Peters from the BC Cancer Foundation.

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The BC Cancer Foundation is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions. As an independent charitable organization, we raise funds exclusively for the BC Cancer Agency that support innovative cancer research and compassionate enhancements to patient care. Visit www.bccancerfoundation.com to make a donation or to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Media Contact:
Cynthia Waldek-Peters
BC Cancer Foundation
250.712.3910