From Feb. 28 to March 20, Vancouver IslandB次元官网网址檚 grocers will collaborate on a special fundraising campaign to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation.
The fundraiser, entering its fourth year, has become an annual tradition among five Island grocery stores: Red Barn Market, Country Grocer, Thrifty Foods, Fairway Market and Tru Value Foods.
William Litchfield, BC Cancer Foundation executive director for Vancouver Island, said these five stores have come together for the greater good.
"They have put their brands and competition aside to support the BC Cancer Foundation," said Litchifield. "We are so grateful that they were able to join forces in our support. This initiative has helped form great friendships and relationships in years past."
A total of $2.52 from the sale of each potted gerbera or cyclamen plant will go towards the new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo, with the fundraiser goal set to $25,000.
While raising money may be the primary focus, Litchfield says that these grocery stores are helping bring awareness to the foundation.
"By going into these grocery stores, and seeing the flowers with the BC Cancer themed pot, you learn about the impact that the foundation can make on the community."
The new centre will expand access to cancer care on Vancouver Island, bringing cancer care closer to home for patients north of the Malahat. According to a 2024 release from the B.C. government, the project budget is approximately $289 million.
The three-storey centre will be built next to the ambulatory care building. It will house a computed topography (CT) simulator, a PET/CT diagnostic scanner and an oncology ambulatory care unit with 12 exam rooms, four consultation rooms and space for medical physicists and radiation therapists.
Construction of the new facility is expected to commence this summer.
While the new centre will be in Nanaimo, Litchifield emphasized the importance this will have for all patients across the Island, including the Greater Victoria area.
"This new facility is going to be amazing for everybody on the Island," said Litchifield. "For the (north) Island, it means being closer to home, and closer to their community while receiving treatment. For those south of the Malahat, it means better access to care with less barriers."
The new centre is expected to open in 2028.
