Quarter-million-dollar donation boosts BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World campaign over the top

June 7, 2011 – (Victoria, BC) – A Victoria-area couple, closely affected by cancer and inspired by the innovative cancer research of the BC Cancer Agency, has made the capstone donation to successfully complete the BC Cancer Foundation’s $10 million Inspire the World campaign. Clive and Ann Piercy announced a $250,000 donation today at their hotel, the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites.

“We are happy and honoured to be able to make this contribution and give back to our community,” said Clive Piercy.

Supporting causes with local impact is important to the couple – Clive was recently named Community Leader of the Year by the CFAX Community Awards; Ann is active in several arts organizations.

"The vision of this campaign is to integrate patient navigation, information and support into all aspects of the cancer care journey," said Ann, an ovarian cancer survivor. "Thanks to Inspire the World, cancer patients will be better supported before, during and after their treatment."

BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO Douglas Nelson said, “We are very grateful that Clive and Ann Piercy have enabled us to surpass our $10 million goal. The BC Cancer Foundation thanks every individual, family and business who has contributed, and I especially salute the Piercys today for their outstanding generosity.”

The Inspire the World campaign was launched in September 2009 with a $1 million lead gift from Inspire the World Campaign Chair Alex A. Campbell and his wife Jo. Their generous gift will be used to create The Alex & Jo Campbell Patient and Family Support Centre within the new space at the Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. Dedicated space for predictive cancer research will be named to honour the Piercys.

“Between us we have 13 grandchildren,” said Clive, “so caring about future generations matters to us. It’s important that researchers be able to better predict the causes of cancer.”

All of the monies raised for the Inspire the World campaign came from private philanthropy. Construction is expected to begin this summer and finish within one year. A special celebration for key campaign donors is being held at the Fairmont Empress this evening.

“We know firsthand of the need for better psychological and emotional support before, during and after cancer treatment,” says Clive. “Ann and I also know that better care only comes through advances in research – and the cancer research already happening right here on Vancouver Island is truly inspiring.”

To learn more about the Inspire the World campaign, visit www.inspiretheworld.ca or call the BC Cancer Foundation at 250-519-5550.

-30-

The BC Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency, and directly supports breakthrough research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C. The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides a comprehensive cancer control program for everyone in B.C. and Yukon.

BC Cancer Foundation Media Contacts:

Laura Walsh, CFRE
Campaign Director
W: 250.519.5554
C: 250.480.9617
lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca

Patsy Worrall
VP, Marketing & Communications
W: 604.877.6040
pworrall@bccancer.bc.ca