One of the challenges faced by the Southeast Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society during 2010 was flood damage to their unit office. "Everyone was affected in some way by the flood," said John Lawrence, in his last president's report.
One of the challenges faced by the Southeast Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society during 2010 was flood damage to their unit office.
"Everyone was affected in some way by the flood," said John Lawrence, in his last president's report. "I would like to recognize all the hard work that the staff and volunteers put into cleaning up all the damages and mess that resulted."
"Coupled with the challenge of the flood, the lingering effects of the fragile economy presented a continuing effect on the revenues for the society," said Lawrence. "Nationally, and on a provincial level, steps had to be taken to address falling revenues in order to continue with the valuable work and research that the society does."
Proof of those falling revenues was noted by the fact that the southeast unit had $516,319 in revenues in 2011-2012, over $100,000 short of their budget set at $635,200. The revenue earned last year was even short of the $576,095 earned by the unit during 2010-2011.
Expenses for the southeast unit were under budget for 2011-12 at $23,145, with the budgeted amount at $27,475. "Everyone was asked to prioritize budgets and to address shortfalls," said Lawrence. The expenses in 2010-2011 was $50,043.
Four Relay For Life events were held by the southeast unit last year. "Even though we fell short of our revenue goal, the events all had a positive effect for those who participated and experienced 'Relay'," said Lawrence. "Weyburn's Relay, again due to the flood, had to be held indoors for only the second time in 12 years."
The very first Relay For Life in Weyburn was held in the Agricultural Society building. Last year, it was held in Crescent Point Place. "It wasn't the park, but it had its own special atmosphere being inside," said Lawrence. "We all look forward to this year's Relay events."
From the four Relay For Life events in Weyburn, Estevan, Redvers and Milestone, there were a total of 285 survivors, 75 teams, 822 participants, 730 volunteers and 2,542 luminaries.
One fundraiser, the Drive for the Cure in Carlyle, marked its final event last year. Other fundraisers throughout the year included the Curl for Cancer in Oxbow, the Knoedler Ball Tournament in Weyburn, the Howard Spencer Golf Tournament, the Weyburn Beavers jersey auction, residential campaign and daffodil teas, bake sales and sales.
Challenges continue to be presented for the annual residential campaign, as office staff of the southeast east have to coordinate the event and they struggle to find coordinators and canvassers to cover some of the areas. For Weyburn itself, they were only able to recruit four out of eight convenors.
A few rural community canvass areas were lost and there are mixed comments about whether the southeast unit should continue with their residential canvas in some areas.
For more information on the Southeast Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, residents can contact their Weyburn office. The website for the society is http://www.cancer.ca.
