Pictured are (L-R); Mr. Edward Goudie (IGA Director), Mr. Albert Pelley (Canadian Cancer Society) and Mr. Robert Simms (IGA Director).

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society aims to lead the way in cancer control to actively prevent, cure, and manage cancer. To do this, the Canadian Cancer Society focuses work in five areas: research, prevention, advocacy, information, and support.

This year, the Canadian Cancer Society was awarded a $28,000 IGA grant to start a Health Promotion Outreach Program for Northern Newfoundland and Coastal Labrador communities and schools. The Program aims to improve access to, and the understanding of, cancer related information for people living in the IGA service region.

The Health Promotion Outreach Program will enhance and improve outreach efforts, increase the amount of presentations delivered and educational materials distributed to schools and community groups, as well as encourage people to embrace healthier lifestyles.

Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest cancer incidence rates per capita in the country. It also has the highest smoking, drinking, and obesity rates in Canada. Despite the challenges of living in the province, particularly in Northern Newfoundland and Coastal Labrador, the Canadian Cancer Society aims to enable residents to apply feasible solutions to healthy living.

The Canadian Cancer Society promotes that half of all cancers can be prevented by making simple healthy lifestyle choices. The Promotion Program will allow them to communicate this message throughout the IGA service region using nontraditional teaching methods and materials.

Al Pelley, VP of Philanthropy for the Canadian Cancer Society says “the goal of our Health Promotion Program is to educate young people about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and increase awareness as to simple things that they can do to prevent getting certain types of cancer.  This generous support from the International Grenfell Association today is an investment in the future health and well being of the constituents they serve.”

The IGA is pleased to have enabled the Canadian Cancer Society to deliver this worthwhile program around the IGA region.