Tree of Hope Campaign Raises $785,421!

Moncton, December 2, 2024 The Tree of Hope campaign concluded with an emotional radiothon last Friday, presented by New Brunswick community radio stations and MaxFM and K945 radio stations.

Broadcast from the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre, the radiothon welcomed several cancer survivors who testified to the excellent services provided by the Oncology Centre and the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge. In addition, dozens of students came in person to deliver their donations following activities at their schools. A vibrant day, resounding with enormous success.

Gilles Allain, CEO of the CHU Dumont Foundation, was moved when he announced that the Tree of Hope campaign had raised $1,195,820 this year. “The public answered the call. In this outpouring, I recognize the generosity and kindness that so well characterize our fellow citizens throughout our province. I want to thank them warmly”, he said.

The funds raised this year will be used to:

• Support services at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, which provides free accommodation for oncology patients undergoing treatment and their companions;
• Offer free non-medical support programs to help people live better with cancer;
• Support cancer research projects at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI); and
• Acquire state-of-the-art technology that will enable brachytherapy (high-dose radiation therapy) to treat prostate cancer and various gynecological cancers.

The Tree of Hope, an exemplary mobilization

The success of a large-scale campaign like this is unequivocally attributable to the commitment, willingness to help, and mobilization of all our communities. Activities take place throughout the year, and the campaign culminates in November when various fundraising events are organized across the province.

“It’s impressive to see how engaged the entire population, young and old, is in the campaign, Mr. Allain continued. I think of all those students from different schools who collect considerable donations and key people in the regions who organize activity after activity, tirelessly. If we could put a number on their selflessness, we would be in the millions! Thank you to the students, volunteers, activity organizers, municipalities for their Tree of Hope illuminations, and I’m surely forgetting some! Thanks to you and all our generous donors, patients at the Oncology Centre can keep hope”, the CEO mentioned.

Some figures in 2023…

• 75,000 visits to the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre and regional clinics
• 426 patients and 101 companions accommodated free of charge at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge
• Most common cancers: breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate
• Each week, 95 New Brunswickers learn they have cancer

1. Allain admits that the Canada Post strike had an impact. “Usually, a third of donations come from direct mail we send to our loyal donors. This year, we noticed a significant drop in donations by mail. We invite people, if they haven’t already, to continue donating by calling 1-800-862-6775 or online at fondationdumont.ca”, the CEO reminded.

Since its inception in 1989, the Tree of Hope campaign has raised over $35 million to help improve the comfort and care provided to cancer patients.

The Foundation warmly thanks all community radio stations in the province, as well as MaxFM and K945, for their commitment to making this day a great success!

For information or interviews: Johanne Lise Landry, Communications Director, johannelise.landry2@fondationdumont.ca or 506 543-5911