KELOWNA – The BC Cancer Foundation Golf Classic in Memory of Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins took place yesterday August 24, and raised over $52,000 in honour of Sindi. Since her passing in 2010 from acute myeloid leukemia, the BC Cancer Foundation has held the tournament in Sindi’s memory to honour her extraordinary passion and commitment to the work of the BC Cancer Agency and pay tribute to her lasting legacy of generosity.
Golfing and fundraising in honour of Sindi’s philanthropic spirit, more than 110 guests, including a team from this year’s Leadership Sponsor, Valley First, came out to the Harvest Golf Club for this year’s Golf Classic to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation.
“As a champion and ambassador for the BC Cancer Foundation, Sindi dedicated her life to raising awareness and significant funds for cancer research. Her philanthropic spirit was truly infectious, and this event was one of her most powerful platforms to inspire the generosity of others. By following her example, this event has become a symbol of the results that happen when members of a community come together as partners in discovery,” says Douglas Nelson, BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO.
Over a 15 year history, this tournament has raised over $1 million for improvements to patient care and leading-edge cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. Lucky Ahluwalia, Sindi’s brother and Golf Classic participant says, “Sindi was so devoted to improving cancer care for all, and I am proud to see her legacy carry on through the Golf Classic each year. Thank you to everyone who came out to take part in the Golf Classic.”
Patient care enhancements like the new breast cancer patient navigator role at the Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, is just one example of how money raised in this region benefits local cancer patients. This role is part of the Interior Breast Rapid Access Program for Investigation and Diagnosis (IB-RAPID) program which provides support to individuals in the Southern Interior diagnosed with breast cancer as they move through their—often stressful and difficult—cancer journey.
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Media Contact:
Cynthia Waldek-Peters
BC Cancer Foundation, Kelowna
e. cwaldekpeters@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 250.712.3910
c. 250.575.0734
Allison Colina
BC Cancer Foundation, Communications
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604.707.5934