Giving monthly to make a difference
October 22, 2014
After volunteering at the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, Celine Lagace was inspired to further the cause. Eager to do more, she joined the Walk committee – eventually becoming co-chair of the Calgary Walk – and signed on as a monthly donor to Ovarian Cancer Canada.
As coordinator of US tax compliance at Husky Energy, Celine understands that a steady and predictable income best allows an individual, company or charity to plan and conduct business.
“Think about your own budget,” explains Celine. “If you only got paid once or twice a year, it would be much more difficult to manage your finances compared to receiving a regular pay cheque. It’s the same for Ovarian Cancer Canada – monthly donations help ensure that awareness, support for survivors, and research continue year round, not just in September during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.”
From a convenience standpoint, Celine is also a fan of monthly giving. “It’s easier on my budget because the donations are spread out during the year, they’re automatic and a receipt for income tax is issued every February. My monthly donation doesn’t alter my lifestyle at all, but I know it makes a difference.”
A volunteer with Ovarian Cancer Canada since 2004, Celine has also given of her time to help at information booths and LOVE HER, an evening of fashion and fun in support of the charity. She has been a monthly donor for six years, and also donates to the Walk, Expedition of Hope and LOVE HER.
Celine knew little about ovarian cancer when she first volunteered for the charity through her then-employer KPMG, a long-time national sponsor of the Walk. But the cause took on special meaning “as I started meeting survivors, and families who had lost loved ones and still came back to walk in their memory. When you see how thankful people are for the work we do, it really hits home.”
On Walk day in 2011, Celine learned that a dear friend with no connection to the charity had been hospitalized and diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Her friend died two weeks later. “Everything came full circle because I’d already been involved with Ovarian Cancer Canada for years. It became even more personal.”
Celine says her volunteer work and being a monthly donor have made the charity “a part of my daily life. I feel an ongoing connection to Ovarian Cancer Canada, and the women and families it serves. I cherish the people I have met and I want to see awareness of ovarian cancer grow.”
Celine Lagace being interviewed at the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in 2012.
Learn more about Ovarian Cancer Canada’s monthly giving program online or give us a call toll free at 1-877-413-7970.