Moncton, December 2, 2024 - The Tree of Hope campaign came to an emotional close last Friday at the radiothon presented by New Brunswick community radio stations, as well as MaxFM and K945.
Broadcast from the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre, the radiothon welcomed several cancer survivors who testified to the excellent services provided by the Oncology Centre and the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge. In addition, dozens of students came in person to present their donations following activities in their schools. A colourful day, resoundingly successful.
Gilles Allain, CEO of the CHU Dumont Foundation, was moved when he announced that this year's Tree of Hope campaign had raised $785,421. “The public answered the call. I recognize, in this outpouring, the generosity and kindness that so characterize our fellow citizens throughout our province. I'd like to thank them warmly,” he said.
The funds raised this year will be used to:
- Support services at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, which provides free lodging for patients undergoing oncology treatment and their companions.
- Offer free non-medical support programs to help people live better with cancer.
- Support cancer research projects at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI).
- Acquire leading-edge technology that will enable brachytherapy (high-throughput radiation therapy) to treat prostate cancer and various gynecological cancers.
The Tree of Hope: an exemplary mobilization
The success of a major campaign like this one is unequivocally attributable to the commitment, willingness to help and mobilization of all our communities. Activities take place throughout the year, and the campaign culminates in November, when various fundraising events are organized across the province.
“It's impressive to see how committed everyone, young and old, is to the campaign,” continued Mr. Allain. “I'm thinking of all the students in the various schools who are collecting considerable donations, and of the key people in the regions who organize activity after activity, without tiring of it. If we could put a dollar amount on their selfless giving, it would undoubtedly be in the millions! Thank you to the students, volunteers, activity organizers, municipalities for their Tree of Hope illuminations, and I'm sure I'm forgetting too many! Thanks to you and all our generous donors, patients at the Oncology Centre can continue to have hope.”
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Quick facts and figures
- 75,000 visits to the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre and regional clinics.
- 426 patients and 101 companions lodged for free at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge.
- Most common cancers: breast, lung, colorectal and prostate.
- Every week, 95 New Brunswickers are diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. Allain admitted that the Canada Post strike has taken its toll. “Usually, a third of our donations come from direct mailings to our loyal donors. This year, we've noticed a noticeable drop in donations by mail. We invite people, if they haven't already done so, to continue donating by calling 1-800-862-6775 or online at fondationdumont.ca,” reiterated the CEO.
Since its inception in 1989, the Tree of Hope campaign has raised over $35 million to help improve the comfort and care of cancer patients.
The Foundation warmly thanks all the province's community radio stations, as well as MaxFM and K945, for their commitment to making this day a resounding success!
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For information or interview requests: Johanne Lise Landry, Director of Communications, johannelise.landry2@fondationdumont.ca or 506 543-5911