For many years now, our CUPE Union local #4606 has done fundraising for pediatric oncology. Usually we sent our funds to CUPE Manitoba to use in the purchase of items for the pediatric oncology ward. Since my son, Matt, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, our local decided that we would purchase items for the clinic so that all children could enjoy them everyday.

Our local has about 400 members located at four sites: the Roblin Health Centre and the Grandview, Gilbert Plains and Dauphin Regional Health Centres. Throughout 2001, we held joint barbeques and bake sales, and raised approximately $1,300. We talked with Dawn Kidder (Child Life Specialist at CancerCare Manitoba) and then purchased a fooseball table, a 26 inch TV and VCR, a video game machine, games and storage cupboard and computer games.

We repeated our efforts in 2002 and raised another $1,200 for equipment purchases as well as $500 for the Kids' Summer Cancer Camp. We hope to continue this practice in the years to come. Everyone in our region is so willing to do this fundraising, especially since we know that someone in the area is benefiting from our efforts.

I am very proud of our members and our communities for their continued support.

Sincerely,

Sally Verhaeghe
Recording Secretary, CUPE Local #4606
and Matt's Mom