West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation

International Thalassemia Day was marked this week – a perfect reason to learn some quick facts about this blood disorder. We've even found a fun little quiz you can take to learn more: https://buff.ly/3QytLIs Did you know that BC Children's Hospital looks after around 200 kids with hemoglobin-related blood disorders, including thalassemia? Together we can help to raise awareness of blood disorders and the support that families deserve to navigate their way ahead.

“WCK helped both my kids with their mental health...after going to camp I saw them excited, happy, talking about activities, and thinking about what they will do tomorrow.” Kids need the chance to be kids. To feel truly carefree and experience in-the-moment joy. For a parent, it can be the hardest thing in the world to see your child struggling, and childhood cancer and blood disorders bring serious struggles into your family's life. Read about how WCK City Camp programming brought joy, excitement, and wonder back to siblings Aadi and Neil, and gave their mom Hema "happy tears." https://buff.ly/3MVOmoa

Want to be part of a community that cares and make a difference for kids and families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders? We have all different kinds of volunteering roles at WCK for all different kinds of people, and right now we're looking for the following to join us: 😎 Summer City Camp team members (both youth and 19+ needed) 🥕 Food prep volunteers for summer City Camp 🥤 Smoothie Sundays team members to blend up fresh smoothies for families at BC Children's Hospital If you're interested, find the info about how to apply here: https://buff.ly/3g5UZ9I

We're recruiting for various paid WCK City Camp roles this summer – take a look at the details here: https://buff.ly/3AVRIS3 These roles are open until filled, so if you're interested, apply today!

We're so grateful to CIBC Foundation for supporting The Club again in 2024! The CIBC Foundation invests in wellness and survivorship programs for individuals affected by cancer, and their team firmly believes in the mission of The Club to empower female-identifying and nonbinary youth in the WCK community. Their donation will help us put on an amazing and memorable in-person retreat for participants later this month — thank you CIBC! Learn more about The Club: https://buff.ly/3R60zrP

Want to treat the kids coming to WCK City Camp to something fun? Make their summer super magical by gifting them something from our wish list! From water balloons to bandanas, tool sets to journals, pick out your favourite today! https://buff.ly/4913f0V

WCK City Camp is running from July 2-19 this summer, and this time with extended hours! To make it easier for families, kids can arrive any time from 8AM and stay any time up to 4:30PM each day. City Camp is for kids age five (turning six by Dec 31, 2024) to 12 who are: - living with or beyond cancer/blood disorders - siblings of those living with or beyond cancer/blood disorders - bereaved siblings Programming is designed for kids to connect, belong, be themselves, play, openly learn, feel strong, and HAVE FUN. Click here for more info and to register your child: https://buff.ly/3qlXIkt

Thank you to everyone who came to our AGM last week. We enjoyed sharing program and organizational updates, celebrating what's been possible so far, and looking towards what's next. And it was exciting to welcome FIVE new Board members to WCK! We can't wait to give you a proper introduction to these dynamic diamonds who bring specific skillsets and bucketloads of passion to support B.C. families. Read more about WCK's mission here: https://buff.ly/3M2Ms5x

"City Camp was an amazing and crucial part of our journey through early cancer treatment. It was the first time either of us had a chance to meet and socialize with other families dealing with childhood cancer. The happiness on my child's face when he came home after the first day at camp and told me he had met other children who had also gone to BC Children's Hospital was priceless. It was the first time I think he felt he had met other kids who understood what he was going through. As a single mother, I have felt very isolated through all of this and I was able to connect with other parents and feel less alone. Thank you all very much!" – Parent We're grateful to every partner who makes support possible for families navigating the most difficult times. Find out more about the companies and foundations who financially support such vital programming: https://buff.ly/42sZfE5

This blog is sure to make you smile! For National Volunteer Week, we wanted to celebrate all the different people who make up the WCK volunteering community by serving in such diverse ways. Meet Zoe, Cathie, and Poppa – three incredible people who give their time and talents to support B.C. families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders. #NationalVolunteerWeek https://buff.ly/4cZ2N6a