Over 160 UFCW Canada activists, friends and supporters teed off for cancer research on July 29 as part of a fundraising effort that swung up $25,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

Held in Montreal, the 2nd Annual Quebec Provincial Council (QPC) Golf Tournament was a big event for the fight for a cure and an emotional day for the union and its families. 

“This time last year, we had just found out that Brother Jean-Marc was sick and that he was facing a long, hard fight for his life,” said QPC President Louis Bolduc to event participants and fundraisers in reference to UFCW Canada youth activist and national representative Jean-Marc Caron who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

“But today Jean-Marc is here with us, and he’s in full remission. His amazing recovery is a direct result of the research strides that have been made possible through the awesome fundraising efforts of UFCW Canada members and others,” adds Brother Bolduc, pictured helping to present the event’s proceeds to the LLSC. Picture from left to right: UFCW Canada Local 500 President Tony Filato; UFCW Canada Local 501 President Pierre Gingras; Alicia Tallarico, LLSC; Local 500 representative Stephany Martin; Bolduc; and UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley.  
The welcome news of Brother Caron’s remarkable recovery was overshadowed by the announcement that leukemia is afflicting another UFCW Canada family.

“Local 500 representative Dominic Lagarde was supposed to be with us today, but couldn’t be here because last week his four-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia,” said Brother Bolduc to the large crowd of fundraisers.  “Our thoughts are with Dominic and his family, and this only strengthens our resolve to find a cure.

UFCW Canada is the LLSC’s single largest fundraiser. Since UFCW Canada members first committed themselves to the fight for a cure 25 years ago, the union has raised over $20-million for cancer research through a wide variety of initiatives and efforts.


Vol. X No. 32 • August 16, 2010