UFCW Canada and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada celebrate 40 years of partnership

Toronto – December 4, 2025 – UFCW Canada and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) are recognizing 40 years of partnership and collaboration in the fight against blood cancers.

Since 1985, UFCW Canada members have raised an extraordinary $54 million to advance blood cancer research, support families, and improve care. These efforts have contributed directly to some of the most significant gains in cancer survival rates seen over the past two decades: this progress is powered by the belief that no one should face blood cancer alone.

This year, UFCW Canada and LLSC launched A Labour of Love, which is a national campaign honouring 40 years of life-changing impact made possible by the generosity and commitment of UFCW members across the country.

Alicia Talarico, President of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada visited the UFCW Canada national office this week to present a thank you plaque for the decades of advocacy work and support that UFCW members have provided. In addition, the UFCW Canada National Council has donated $40,000 to LLSC in commemoration of the 40 years of partnership. 

For 40 years, UFCW Canada members and community allies have organized and participated in numerous fundraising activities – including raffles, bottle drives community picnics, 50-50 draws, car washes, sports tournaments, ride-a-thons, marathons, relays, and Light the Night walks – to raise money for the fight against blood cancer. UFCW local unions across Canada have dedicated decades in holding effective and innovative fundraisers for this important cause. 

"The dedication and commitment of UFCW members, their families and our community partners over the past 40 years have made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of Canadians who have been affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers," says UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer. "Thanks to the tremendous work of the LLSC, more and more people are winning their battle against blood cancer, and our union will continue to fight against cancer alongside the LLSC and support their vital work."

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country and provides information and support services free of charge to people affected by blood cancers. The LLSC's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of Canadians impacted by blood cancers.

Read more about UFCW Canada's and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s partnership.