Mobilizing For A Cure

Since the inception of in 1996, with the help of the entire insurance industry and its supporters, well over $3,500,000 has been raised in support of cancer research and education. This has been achieved from industry support at a variety of functions, including dinners, learning breakfasts, concerts, golf tournaments, as well as the purchase of candles, CDs and other products. In addition, numerous individuals, companies and associations within and related to the insurance industry have held or sponsored events specifically to raise funds for or directed the proceeds of their annual events to .

The involvement of all supporters and volunteers has made it possible for to achieve its Mission: To mobilize the Canadian Insurance Industry in the fight against cancer by focussing on cancer research, support and education. 

The Beginnings

Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade was co-founded in 1996 by Mabel Sansom and Linda Matthews. The impetus to create was borne out of tragedy. Linda and Mabel had been shocked by a colleague’s news that his wife had breast cancer. “The two of us decided it was time to fight back,” said Ms. Samson.  “We began to recruit a dynamic committee dedicated to help find a cure. Many of our committee members have been personally touched by breast cancer. Their stories and strength continue to amaze us.”

In addition to ‘fighting back’, Mabel and Linda’s vision was at the same time to provide support, education and breast cancer awareness to the industry. With about 80% of the insurance industry comprised of women (approximately 80,000 women), taking up the fight against breast cancer, which inflicts one in nine women, just made sense.

With over 200 guests in attendance, the Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade was launched in April 1997 with a dinner at the Toronto Sheraton Centre hotel. At that inaugural event, co-founder Linda Matthews noted, “All of us have been touched by cancer through friends, family and colleagues. The mission is to mobilize the insurance industry and focus on research, support and education.”

‘Challenge yourself’ was the dinner theme as guests were encouraged to find ways to help beat cancer, not just write cheques. “That would be easy,” said Matthews. “What we need is for more people to get involved.”

At this first dinner, insurance men and women across Canada were asked to sell special candles, not only to raise money for cancer research, but also to raise awareness of the terrible toll cancer exacts each year. Runs and walk-a-thons were other suggestions.

Since that time, has grown significantly and is now represented by chapters across Canada (currently chapters exist in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia).
 

Ontario: over $3,500,000 Donated to the Canadian Cancer Society

Since 1997, Ontario’s total contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society has exceeded $3,500,000. At Ontario’s request, 100% of these dollars have gone to fund leading breast cancer research. The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest charitable funder of breast cancer research, contributing more than $50 million since 1993.

’s contributions to the CCS helps progress the fight of this disease that strikes one in nine Canadian women -- breast cancer being the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian women. Breast cancer death rates have declined from an estimated 33% in 1992 to 26% in 2002. The decline is believed to be due to the benefits of screening and improved treatments as a result of research.

“Challenge Yourself” ... Needs You!

For to achieve its Mission of mobilizing the Canadian Insurance Industry in the fight against cancer, it needs women and men from throughout the insurance industry to take action – no matter how small or big. is all about volunteers, and contributions of any form are always appreciated. Whether that be buying a ticket to a event, volunteering for a local committee, purchasing a product or developing your own event to raise funds for – every effort counts in the fight for a cure.

Continue to visit wicc.ca regularly for more information on upcoming news, events, products and people. Please contact any one of your local representatives to find out how you or your company can help.