Husky donates $1 million to Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society in Newfoundland and Labrador has received a $1-million donation from Husky Energy to expand a critically important cancer prevention program aimed at lowering cancer incidence rates in the province. The gift provides a significant boost to the society’s existing prevention program and establishes a comprehensive outreach to help protect the province’s youth and turn the tide of cancer incidence.

“Making sure people have the best available information and resources to reduce their risk of cancer is essential to fighting this disease,” said Husky CEO Asim Ghosh. “The Canadian Cancer Society runs outstanding programs in cancer prevention and care, and Husky continues its longstanding support of that work through this meaningful initiative to further increase awareness.”

Newfoundland and Labrador has many of the country’s most troubling cancer statistics, including:

the highest cancer incidence rate at 434 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a low of 361 in British Columbia;

among the highest smoking and drinking rates in the country; and

Canada’s most overweight province — 69 per cent of the people are overweight or obese.

The program will target schools, workplaces and families to help people of all ages make healthier choices. This program will also reach remote areas, such as Labrador’s coastal region and communities on Newfoundland’s south coast and Northern Peninsula.

“We are enormously grateful for Husky’s support. Their gift puts the spotlight on lifestyle change and awareness — the essence of cancer prevention — in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country. Stopping cancer before it starts is an urgent national imperative. Together we can prevent half of all cancer cases through healthy living and policies that protect the health of all Canadians,” said Pamela C. Fralick, president and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society.