Co-ops helping create future without breast cancer

March 13, 2014

The Co-operative Retailing System, comprised of local co-ops across Western Canada and Federated Co-operatives Limited, is providing $1.5 million over three years to fund leading-edge breast cancer research across all four western Canadian provinces.

“Many families in the over 500 communities in Western Canada where Co-op does business are faced with the challenge and potential tragedy of a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Vic Huard, Federated Co-operatives Limited Vice-President of Corporate Affairs. “The research being funded will help advance prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for a complex disease that has no boundaries.”

This donation is in addition to contributions made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation –Prairies/N.W.T.Region by Co-op through the annual Drink Pink campaign. Each October, the partnership of Van Houtte coffee and local retail co-ops donates 10 cents for every cup of coffee sold in local retail co-op convenience stores and grocery store delis. Additional sales of items like reusable coffee mugs and grocery bags contribute all profits to the total. The success of the program is undeniable - Drink Pink has raised over $457,000 since 2010.

“Co-ops are so grateful for the support shown by our loyal members and customers. That’s why we’re matching our customers’ commitment with a five-dollar match for every one dollar raised through the sale of coffee at your local co-op,” Huard explained. “This is just one way for us to thank loyal and caring members and customers for their support of Drink Pink, because without them the campaign couldn’t succeed.”

“Co-op has been a valued partner of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/N.W.T. Region since 2010.  We appreciate their enthusiastic support of the Drink Pink Campaign, participation in CIBC Run for the Cure and sponsorship of events,” said Liz Viccars, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/N.W.T.

“This $1.5 million donation highlights their passion for the cause and is one of the largest one-time corporate donations received by the Prairies/N.W.T. Region. Thank you Co-op for your leadership and generosity and for your significant contribution toward creating a future without breast cancer.”

Red River Co-op General Manager Doug Wiebe said this donation highlights co-operation and local Co-ops’ commitment to people like Susan Finnigan, a breast cancer survivor who attended the announcement.

“At Red River Co-op, we believe we can build our community and help it succeed by working together,” Wiebe said. “We are part of your hometown and care about and support the causes that matter to you and your family. I know that retail co-ops across Western Canada appreciate the support of our members and that we are proud to give back to our communities with gifts like this.” 

The foundation funds research in four categories: basic biomedical, clinical, health services and policy research and psychosocial, cultural and environmental determinants of health. The donation will help researchers such as Dr. Leigh Murphy, who is researching the development and implementation of new hormonal therapies in breast cancer prevention.

“Such funding is critical in allowing us to carry out detailed fundamental research, which is the foundation of all current breast cancer therapies, especially the hormonal therapies,” said Dr. Murphy, with the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology. “These therapies have and will continue to save lives and, to a lesser extent, prevent the disease.”

Dr. Murphy’s research is one example of projects funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation across Western Canada. Other studies include a novel approach to microwave imaging, targeted drug effectiveness and molecular components of tumours.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the disease will affect one in nine Canadian women during their lifetime. The foundation also estimates 23,800 Canadian women and 200 Canadian men were diagnosed with breast cancer last year.