South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR) provides numerous services for those on their cancer journey. However, their most costly is transportation.

The total number of rides and night accommodations during the organization's 2018/19 fiscal year was 4,303, equalling a total of 660,065 km, costing $184,191. Although the financial hurdle has left SCCR with an approximately $20,000 deficit, President Pam King says they never want to turn a client away.

When operations began at SCCR in 2008, the organization started with less than 50 clients. For the 2018/19 year, the number of clients has ballooned to 613, that's 110 more than last year.

As a breast cancer survivor herself, she understands the importance of being there for someone on the arduous journey that is cancer.

"I have a passion for people who have cancer and for their families. I recently lost my husband to cancer, and I believe in the work that we do, and the needs these people have. I look at it as paying it forward. South Central has been good to us, the health care system has been very good, and I'm here today as proof of that. I want to be able to help people and give them hope."

 

With 613 clients, King says they are incredibly busy, and the programs they offer are only made possible through the generosity of third-party fundraisers and community support.


"We get no government funding, and we don't get any funding from cancer organizations. It's all thanks to the generous people in the areas we serve."

Carman Curl For Cancer, Pritchard's golf tournament, Access Credit Union's golf tournament, Legend's Car Club and Drag Races are just a few that have supported SCCR, says King. "It brings tears to your eyes when people come to us, and share their stories of what has happened and why they want to support us."

Funding goes towards their hair covering and wigs program, wellness programs, and the high demanded transportation program. Looking forward, King says they have plenty of plans they'd like to implement.

After the 2019 Strategic Planning Session, SCCR set some new goals after reviewing its mission statement and vision.

King says some of those goals have already been accomplished, one being the creation of a welcome package for clients. Plans still in the works include looking at furthering fundraiser, establishing a gym program, and increasing awareness for SCCR.

 "We have a very ambitious action plan. We're looking to give presentations to all the municipalities about SCCR and the work that we do. Not to ask for funds, but to make them aware. We're also looking at supporting lymphodema support and treatment."

King explains the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has lobbied the government to provide dollars for lymphodema patients, so patients who can't afford the treatment, the WRHA could ensure that service at no cost. Although King says they rely on local therapist Linda Menzies, and the SCCR does provide $750 annually, the money doesn't go far, and they have to look at options beyond the local borders.

She says it can be a challenge each year to find the necessary funds for the SCCR's costs. Fortunately, there is money invested that the organization can fall back on. Still, King says they are always striving to find the resources to operate, "people need our services, and we want to ensure everyone can have them."

The SCCR is also currently looking for new board members. King says it's one of the most rewarding experiences to give back to your community, and they will accept anyone interested in joining with open arms.