Youth volunteers today, community leaders tomorrow

Canadian Cancer Society celebrates National Volunteer Week with Youth Volunteer Scholarships

TORONTO, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Thanks to the generosity of a woman who lost her husband to cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society, for the first time, is awarding up to two annual youth volunteer scholarships.

After losing husband LeRoy to cancer, Gertrude Rellinger, from Waterloo Region made a gift to the Society to support the education of young volunteers who are so committed to the fight against cancer.

The Gertrude and LeRoy Rellinger Youth Volunteer Scholarships program will offer up to two annual scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, over the next ten years.

"The youth volunteer scholarships are a perfect idea. I would never have known how to do that on my own," says Gertrude. "I knew the Canadian Cancer Society would use the gift where it could do a lot of good. I was very happy to make that donation."

"Last year, youth accounted for 24% of new Society volunteers in Ontario," explains Cathy Hall, Director, Volunteer Engagement. "Youth are very involved in the Society's work: assisting patients in cancer centres and lodges, taking part in youth leadership councils, tackling health promotion and advocacy campaigns as well as participating in community fundraising initiatives and the Relay For Life Youth program."

"Volunteering with the Society has given me an outlet to help me change the world, if only a little," says Gloria Zhang, Society youth volunteer.

Young people like Gloria who are involved as Society volunteers bring hope, energy and excitement for a future where no Canadian fears cancer. The scholarships award those who are making the most impact on the Society's mission through their volunteer work.

For more information, please visit www.cancer.ca/youthscholarship or send your questions to [email protected]. Deadline for complete applications is Monday, May 14, 2012 by 5 p.m.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

About National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 15 to 21. The Canadian Cancer Society works with 60,000 volunteers in communities across Ontario to make the biggest impact in the fight against cancer. Volunteers are at the centre of all we do! To find out more or to become a volunteer, visit the volunteer section on cancer.ca.

or to book an interview opportunity, please contact: 

Christine Koserski
Senior Coordinator, Public Affairs
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
416-323-7030
[email protected]