Honouring Canadian Cancer Society volunteers

The local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society honored its volunteers  with a special luncheon at the Best Western. 

Leading the way was Anita Spalding (pictured) who became a volunteer 50 years ago.

Along the way she has fought cancer and beat it and she believes her story helps people who are fighting cancer themselves.

She has volunteered  at the former  hospital’s cancer clinic but also helps out at Relay For Life and during the Daffodil month campaign.

Anne Deadmen and Richard Zielinski received 25 year pins and special awards went to Angela Johnston, the Relay For Life honorary survivor and Bill Moulton received the celebrating courage award.

Gil Pharand, manager of the local office of the Canadian Cancer Society says community organizations couldn’t really exist without volunteers.

He says they wanted to recognize those volunteers that are so important to their organization.

Pharand says Spalding has kept up to date with all the services the Canadian Cancer Society provides for patients who are battling cancer.

He says a lot has changed as cancer used to be an automatic death sentence and isn’t any longer, as many types of cancer are treatable with early detection and early screening.