Canadian builders raise $400K to combat blood cancers

Hundreds of thousands of dollars will help support families dealing with blood cancer thanks to the Hard Hats for Hope Challenge, a Canada-wide effort by builders.

Born in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), the challenge started with three leaders from competing construction firms in Montreal who wanted to unite for a greater cause: to raise critical funds for Canadians affected by blood cancers. Their collaboration sparked a movement that has since raised over $750,000 and expanded to Halifax, Ottawa. This year, Vancouver was added to that list.

Organizers say nearly $400,000 was raised by Challenge participants across Canada this year and a total of $1.33 million was raised by broader LLSC fundraising efforts as part of B.C.’s Light the Night campaign. This made Vancouver the #1 Light the Night walk in Canada and set a record-breaking milestone for the region. 

“That’s no small feat, and all thanks to the hard work, energy, and dedication of many including the folks at Peterson who were awarded the prize for the top fundraising team in the Construction Industry’s ‘Hard Hats for Hope Challenge,’” said Geoff Tessarolo, CFO at VanMar Constructors, who was part of this year’s fundraising team.

Tessarolo, whose son was diagnosed with Leukemia at nine months old, added that the industry response was overwhelmingly positive, with strong participation and generous contributions from across the sector. 

“It was most touching to receive donations from complete strangers that learned about Hard Hats for Hope through the SiteNews and Social Media posts,” he said. “The Hard Hats for Hope campaign provided an opportunity to connect with industry peers and bring awareness to blood cancer and the work of the LLSC. It also planted the seed for participation in future fundraising initiatives.”  

Light the Night is the primary fundraiser for the LLSC, and funds raised are invested in the work of 66 blood cancer researchers across Canada. Including:

• Operating grants for innovative research across Canada that seek to unlock new approaches to diagnosing, treating and understanding blood cancers
• Development of Smart Technologies including AI and machine learning to make life changing discoveries
• Pediatric focused research to develop safer, more effective treatments that are tailored to young patients
• Improvement in patients Life Beyond Diagnosis with a goal to better the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of people living with blood cancer

“The construction and development community demonstrated strong, genuine support. Organizations engaged in ways that reflected their values and commitment to giving back,” said Ben Neumer, Campaign Director, at LLSC

“They understand the importance of supporting families. Their involvement strengthens essential programs and drives cancer research that benefits Canadians.”

To get more information about Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and how to support their work, please contact Ben Neumer, Campaign Director, 604-314-9100, ben.neumer@lls.org.