Fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Celebrating 40 Years of Hope: A Labour of Love

For four decades, UFCW Canada and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) have stood together in a powerful partnership rooted in compassion, solidarity, and hope. This year, we proudly celebrate the launch of A Labour of Love — a national campaign honouring 40 years of life-changing impact made possible by the generosity and commitment of UFCW members across the country.

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 — progress powered by the belief that no one should face blood cancer alone.

A Labour of Love also shines a light on the stories behind the fundraising — stories of members, families, and communities whose lives have been touched by blood cancer and who have transformed their experiences into action. These stories reflect the heart of our union: strength in solidarity and a deep commitment to giving back.

As part of the campaign, LLSC is launching nationwide outreach to more than 300,000 supporters, along with a social media initiative reaching tens of thousands across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Locals are encouraged to join the celebration by sharing official posts, highlighting their own fundraising efforts, and inspiring the next generation of members to get involved.

Together with LLSC, we also honour the annual UFCW Special Recognition Award in Research, recognizing groundbreaking advancements in the fight against blood cancers. The 2025 recipient, Dr. Vincent-Philippe Lavallée, is developing an innovative genomic test to accelerate pediatric leukemia diagnosis and treatment.

As we celebrate this milestone, UFCW Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to a future without blood cancers and continue building hope for generations to come.

The Power of Community: UFCW 12R24’s Bottle Drive

For 40 years, UFCW Canada members have demonstrated the power of collective action — and few initiatives embody that spirit more than UFCW Local 12R24 and The Beer Stores’ Bottle Drive. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in our union’s history, mobilizing communities across Ontario and raising over $24 million to support the fight against blood cancers. The video below highlights the heart, determination, and generosity that have made the Bottle Drive a beacon of solidarity and hope.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)

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.

Visit llscanada.org for more information.