Volunteer charity supports local non-profits
By Jim Morrison
www.thesuburban.com
The West Island Crusade against Cancer (WICAC), was recently in the offices of Nova West Island, presenting a donation of $10,000 to support the Carousel program, a Circle of Support for children and youth who are in the midst of coping with difficulties due to an on-going family illness or loss due to divorce or death of a loved one.
WICAC was founded by myself in 1997, as a one person, eight hour squash marathon. Its intent was to give back to the community which provided essential services to end of life patients-specifically, specialized care and support to persons suffering from cancer or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), enabling people to stay at home with their loved ones as long as desired.
Entirely volunteer driven; WICAC’s mission is to organize and run sporting, entertainment and cultural activities and performances throughout the year. The intent is to involve all ages, all capabilities, all interests, and all sections of society so these events become not only a pleasure, but a learning, working and development experience engendering community involvement.
Additional fundraising successes came from dart tournaments in Dorval, a fun run and walk in Baie d’Urfé, a weekend mixed softball event in Pierrefonds, a bike rally in Île Perrot, trivia night in Dorval as well as a 12 hour squash marathon in Beaconsfield.
The efforts made from these events allow supporting three distinct programs. In addition to supporting the Canadian Cancer society, their hard work is instrumental in maintaining the following initiatives.
Lead by Ms.CarolJonas, the Weekend Bereavement Camp for youths ages 6-17 is held bi-yearly at Parc Nature du Cap St.Jacques, Pierrefonds. Youth and children participate in recreational activities, arts and crafts, campfires, small group sessions on grief work and a remembrance ceremony under the guidance of a skilled counselor and specially trained volunteers. This program allows kids to reach out in helping them come to terms with the loss of a family member or loved one.
Island Palliative Care Centre
A wonderfully run non-profit which serves the community in its most trying times, the work of WICAC has provided a portion of the annual food budget for the center where over 20,000 meals are served there on an yearly basis. The meals provided contribute to improving the quality of life and easing the suffering of patients who reside at the center.
Armed with a new board of directors in 2015, WICAC is always looking to expand by involving new people and new ideas and initiatives.
More information on WICAC is available at www.wicac.ca or by calling [514] 378-5103
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