$100,000 Matching Gift Accelerates Support for BC Cancer – Nanaimo

The BC Cancer Foundation is proud to announce a $100,000 matching gift from the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare to support the development of the new BC Cancer – Nanaimo centre. The new centre will be transformational in expanding access to cancer care for patients across central and northern Vancouver Island. 

The Auxiliary is matching donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, in support of the BC Cancer Foundation’s $10 million fundraising campaign for the new cancer centre in Nanaimo.  

“Cancer touches every family in our community, and we know how difficult it can be for patients to travel long distances for care,” says Marie Skinner, President of the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare. “By supporting BC Cancer – Nanaimo, our auxiliary is proud to stand with the BC Cancer Foundation in a shared vision that will bring care closer to home for patients and families across Vancouver Island.” 

Opening in 2028, BC Cancer – Nanaimo will significantly reduce the need for patients and families living north of the Malahat to travel to Victoria for treatment, particularly radiation therapy. Today, radiation treatments, which half of all cancer patents require, are only available on the Island at BC Cancer – Victoria. The long journey to access care is often made more challenging by weather, wildfire conditions and the physical, mental and financial tolls of treatment.  

The BC Cancer Foundation is fundraising $10 million to equip BC Cancer – Nanaimo with advanced technology and equipment needed to deliver world-class cancer care, including the Island’s second PET/CT scanner. The campaign has already surpassed the halfway mark, thanks to strong support from communities across Vancouver Island and the momentum driving this next phase of fundraising. 

“This matching gift is a powerful example of how Island communities are coming together to improve access to cancer care,” says Jordan McClymont, Associate Director, BC Cancer Foundation. “Support for BC Cancer – Nanaimo will help ensure patients across Vancouver Island can receive specialized treatment closer to home, when they need it most.” 

Approximately half of the 6,000 new cancer cases diagnosed on Vancouver Island each year are among people living north of the Malahat. In its opening year, BC Cancer – Nanaimo is expected to provide approximately 20,000 treatments for as many as 1,600 patients.