The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) in Penetanguishene is looking to raise more than $10,000 in April to mark cancer awareness month.
The organization recently received a "generous" $5,000 pledge from an anonymous donor to match all donations made to the GBCSC throughout the month.
According to centre executive director Eric Walter, the funding is greatly needed as the GBCSC is seeing a growing demand for the support services it provides to those impacted by cancer living in North Simcoe and surrounding communities.
“Our visits are up, requests for financial assistance are up, demand is soaring and the costs that we incur are rising with inflation,” he said, noting that since the centre receives no government funding, having a donor come forward with a gift to motivate others to give locally is truly special.
“We put a lot of emphasis into stretching a dollar to do as much good here in the community as possible. To have that dollar go twice as far is really impactful and is a great incentive for people to give a gift that they know will make an impact.”
The GBCSC currently provides 60 hours of monthly programming up from 40 hours a month last year.
As well, monthly member enrolment has increased four per cent since January with the centre expecting that upward trend to continue. Financial support for out-of-town treatment expenses (parking, gas, accommodations) is also up 24% from 2022.
To support the centre’s April gift match campaign, donors can make a gift today online. Donors can also make donations in person at the centre (45 Edward Street), by calling (705) 549-6444 or by sending a cheque via mail to the GBCSC.
Anyone who signs up for monthly giving throughout the year, will also have their donation matched.
