On average, 641 Canadians were diagnosed with some form of cancer every day in 2022.
That sobering statistic from the Canadian Cancer Society is one of many reasons why several Kelowna auto dealers came together to raise $230,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation.
The campaign, which involved 17 dealers, ran from Aug. 1 to Sep. 30.
“Cancer is a disease that has touched so many people’s lives,” said Aaron Fanslau, Kelowna Auto Dealers Association (KADA) president. “I lost a sister to it.”
The money raised by the dealerships will go towards the new, state-of-the-art systemic cancer therapy suite planned for BC Cancer Kelowna.
“Our goal was to make sure that whatever we do has a big impact on Kelowna specifically, it seemed like a natural partnership for us,” Fanslau added.
The dealerships had set an initial target of $200,000.
“We just asked who can help, who can support this, let’s give back to the community,” Fanslau said.
He pointed out that most of the new car dealerships in the city are operated by people who live here.
“People who have deep roots in this community and care about this community.”
The systemic suite will increase BC Cancer Kelowna’s capacity to deliver drug therapy treatments and bring the latest in cutting-edge research and therapies to the Interior.
It will also bring early-phase clinical trials to the Okanagan ensuring patients have access to the latest, life-saving treatments closer to home without needing to travel for care.
Editor’s note: participating dealerships included Audi Kelowna, August Mazda, Harmony Acura, Harmony Honda, Kelowna Ford Lincoln, Kelowna Infiniti Nissan, Kelowna Mercedes-Benz, Kelowna Subaru, Kelowna Toyota, Land Rover Jaguar Volvo Kelowna, Lexus of Kelowna, Okanagan Dodge, Orchard Ford, Porsche Kelowna, Turner Volkswagen, and Valley Mitsubishi.
READ MORE: 2 Oliver men take joy ride on stolen ATV, apprehended in Kelowna
READ MORE: B.C. man takes 1-tonne pumpkin on road trip to win California weigh-off