Steven Heywood
editor@pqbnews.com
It may have been a celebration of the last 10 years in their Qualicum Beach storefront office, but this week’s anniversary for the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society was more of a recognition of all the good work local volunteers are doing to help support people in District 69 who are suffering with the disease.
The local branch has been working tirelessly in District 69 for more than 20 years — the amount of time that Phyllis McMillan has been volunteering for the Cancer Society. She was one of the day’s honoured guests and was a canvasser back in the day.
“I’ve volunteered for a long time,” she recalled. “I’m retired now, but I’m still a supporter. It’s a very important cause.”
While the location of the local branch has moved a few times over the years, their efforts remain constant.
With 43 volunteers in the district, local society representative Sheila Dale said they always need more people to help with fundraising and to help people suffering with cancer — and even for those whose lives have been affected in some way by cancer — get the support they need.
Parksville mayor Chris Burger told the small crowd on Tuesday to keep up the good work.
“It’s not just the canvassing ... but it’s the support and I know you all do great work,” he said.
Qualicum Beach mayor Teunis Westbroek called the office and its people a valuable resource — then challenged Burger and The News to take part in this year’s Ride for Cancer in August and help raise money. Both accepted that challenge. Watch for more details here as the event approaches later this summer.