VANCOUVER, BC -- Everyday, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer, affecting their lives and those of their families. When Alsco heard that one of its customers, Steve Arsenault, president of Scandinave Spa, was participating in a fundraising triathlon to support cancer research for the local community's CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, where his son is currently being treated for lymphoblastic leukemia, the local branch wanted to offer its support.
"It's heartbreaking to hear of any child with cancer and even more so when it's someone's child you know. This donation allows us to support not only our customer and their family, but to help the hundreds and thousands of other families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer. In our minds, that's definitely worthy of our support," says Tim Harmer, General Manager of the Vancouver, Canada, branch.
Arsenault's son, Zachary, was diagnosed in May 2019. So far, he's undergone nine of the 24 months of treatment he needs. Zack, while unable to participate in the triathlon, will be the captain of the team — his father and grandfather will compete on his behalf with each one doing one leg of the Winter Triathlon.
"Sainte-Justine is a fabulous hospital for children. It's where Zack was initially hospitalized for a month and where he gets its chemo treatments every week," says Arsenault.
Founded in 1999, CHU Sainte -Justine Foundation is the largest full-fledged mother and child university health center in Canada. The Foundation focuses on building a healthier future for mothers and children and organizes activities like the Winter Triathlon to engage with the community and raise funds for its work.
The Scandinave Spa team is looking to take first place in its fundraising efforts. "We are in second place right now regarding funds raised but are working hard to finish first," says Arsenault. "Alsco's support is of great help in achieving our goal."