October 22, 2009, Victoria, B.C. – Thrifty Foods has announced a donation of $300,000 to the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World campaign to establish the Thrifty Foods Patient Information Library in BC Cancer – Victoria.
Over 4,000 people are diagnosed with cancer on Vancouver Island each year. Newly-diagnosed patients and their network of friends, family members and colleagues are often unsure of where to turn for information and education about cancer.
The library will be built in the new and expanded space to be developed at the cancer centre. The $10 million Inspire the World capital campaign will see the construction and renovation of 10,000 square feet to create a state-of-the-art patient and family support centre, a predictive cancer research centre and a radiation innovation wing. The Inspire the World campaign chair is Alex A. Campbell, the founder of Thrifty Foods.
“Patients consistently tell us they are very satisfied with the medical care they receive at BC Cancer – Victoria,” said Dr. Peter Watson, Chief Physician for the centre. “However, patients are also expressing a great need for improved access to information before, during and after treatment.”
Thrifty Foods President and CEO Milford Sorensen said, “Thrifty Foods has a long history of providing support to the BC Cancer Foundation — and it’s a history that has produced solid, tangible results. I know this library will act as an important centre of focus for patients and that it will deliver the information, the understanding and the hope and inspiration they and their loved ones can use to help build their own personalized plans for success in conquering and surviving the disease” “Ten years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer so I know first hand how important it is to have access to the most current information. I believe it’s crucial that patients can learn about the current research, cancer treatments, ways to cope, and complementary and alternative cancer therapies in a warm and inviting environment,” said Dean Clarke, former patient and current Thrifty Foods store manager.
“It is a fitting tribute that Thrifty Foods is continuing its strong tradition of support for the BC Cancer Foundation through this gift, which will help empower cancer patients and their families,” said Dr. Peter Watson, Chief Physician for BC Cancer – Victoria.
To learn more about the Inspire the World campaign, or to make a donation, please visit www.inspiretheworld.ca or call the BC Cancer Foundation at 250-382-4470.
Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout B.C.
From a single store opening in 1977, Thrifty Foods has grown, in 2009, to a chain of 22 locations throughout Vancouver Island and the B.C. Lower Mainland. Thrifty Foods is Vancouver Island’s largest private sector employer, with over 4,000 employees. It is owned by Sobeys Inc., a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. More information about Thrifty Foods is available at http://www.thriftyfoods.com/. Information about Sobeys Inc. is available at http://www.sobeyscorporate.com/
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For more information:
Laura Walsh, CFRE
Campaign Director, BC Cancer Foundation
Email: lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca
T: 250-382-4403
C: 250-480-9617
Michael Alexander
Manager, Communications, Thrifty Foods
Email: malexander@thriftyfoods.com
T: 250-483-1173
