The Kelowna Auto Dealers Association in British Columbia donated a notable $230,000 to the BC Cancer Foundation to replace its current systemic cancer therapy suite with a new one, according to the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta. The total donation amount exceeded their initial goal of $200,000.
“Thanks to the tremendous support of the Kelowna community, we far exceeded our goal for this campaign,” said Aaron Fanslau, President of the KADA. “As local business owners who call the Okanagan home, it’s important to give back to the communities that support us.”
The funds were gathered from 16 locally-owned dealerships over a period of 60 days, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. According to the BC Cancer Foundation, one of the benefits of the new systemic cancer therapy suite is that it will boost the centre’s capacity to provide drug therapy treatments, including chemotherapy, by 40 per cent.
“Critically, it will also bring early phase clinical trials to the Okanagan—ensuring patients have access to the latest, life-saving treatments closer to home without needing to travel for care,” they said in a news release.
In a Facebook post, Turner Volkswagen Kelowna said the new space will also allow for loved ones to attend appointments and offer support in comfort.
“KADA brings together Kelowna Auto Dealers to help support our community with past support and donations benefiting BC Special Olympics, Central Okanagan Food Bank, Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, and many others,” it said in its online post.
