LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...Cancer canvassing in full gear

Dear editor, The Acton Branch of The Canadian Cancer Society's annual April door-to-door campaign is in full gear. Our biggest challenge this year will be to make sure that the residents in the new subdivisions get the opportunity to donate to this very worthy cause. As I read the daily newspaper, I find myself spending some time looking at the death announcements because of the pictures that now accompany the notices. The number of young people in these pictures is very eye-catching. It is very sobering to read about the many premature deaths due to "the loss of a very courageous battle with cancer". I know we have all been touched by this insidious disease in some way or another and most of us want to help in the journey of finding a cure. Acton residents have always been exceptionally generous in their donations to the Cancer Society and we are most fortunate to have a very dedicated group of more than 150 volunteer canvassers who make our campaign successful every year. Last year we raised a total of almost $34,000 in our residential campaign and we still rank high in the per capita donors for Ontario. Not bad for a little town! Last year, the Honeyfield subdivision was canvassed by high school students and they did an excellent job. Unfortunately, most of the residents in the area behind Sobeys weren't canvassed at all so we will be working hard to rectify that. Canvassing can be a very rewarding experience. It can be a way of supporting someone who is still struggling to survive. It can be a way of honouring those who have lost the battle. Please say `yes' when someone calls to ask for your help or, better still, call now to volunteer. Please call Cathy at 519-853-1214 or Liz at 519-853-0585. Thank you once again Acton for your continuing support-- we do make a difference! Liz Bailey, Campaign Chair for the Acton Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society