The BC Cancer Centre in Prince George is receiving a $100,000 donation to support patients and their families in the midst of challenging times.
Ahead of National Indigenous People’s Day on Sunday (June 21), Scotiabank has made the donation to the Centre for the North's Greatest Needs Funds.
BC Cancer's Prince George location cares for the highest percentage of Indigenous patients out of all centres province-wide and, according to the BC Cancer Foundation, having access to world-leading care is vital for vulnerable populations like the local Indigenous community.
The Greatest Needs Fund ensures BC Cancer – Prince George can support patients and families with financial pressures associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as support cutting-edge research into new, more precise treatments for patients living in northern B.C.
“Scotiabank is proud to support this crucial fund that we hope will help alleviate some of the pressures patients and their families may face, especially during these unprecedented times,” says Scotiabank's Senior Vice-President for B.C. and Yukon Lesly Tayles in a news release.
As COVID-19 continues to make significant impacts on everyday life, the Foundation says those with a cancer diagnosis require additional support.
Scotiabank’s donation is set to help patients in the following areas:
- Accommodation
- This need has greatly increased for out of town patients with the recent closure of cancer patient lodges
- Transportation
- With volunteer drivers and shuttle services ceasing to continue, there is an increased need for gas cards to ensure patients are able to get to their appointments
- Two-thirds of patients treated at BC Cancer – Prince George live 10 hours or more away from the centre
- Grocery gift cards
- Support is required in order to ensure patients have adequate nutrition during their treatment
- Precision radiation therapy
- BC Cancer – Prince George has a world-class team that delivers cutting-edge treatments and conducts innovative research to better serve northern communities
Scotiabank says the gift will have a direct impact on patients in the community, transforming care and helping save more lives.
