Press Release: February 12, 2021

 
Waterloo, Ontario – HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre is located at The Inn of Waterloo and was impacted by the unfortunate fire that took place on Tuesday, February 9^th, 2021. HopeSpring is relieved to hear that no one was harmed and that our community partner at The Inn of Waterloo, The House of Friendship, was able to house, support and quickly triage those who were staying at The Inn. We are so inspired how our beautiful community has come forward to ensure no one would be without hygiene, clothing and other materials that inevitably would be lost due to the fire. We also acknowledge The Inn of Waterloo and all they are going through at this time.

In mid-October 2020, HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre was asked to vacate our rented space within The Inn of Waterloo in order to allow the House of Friendship to be re-homed as a result of the covid-19 pandemic as supported by The Region of Waterloo. Our space at that time was directly located within the tower area of the hotel. As a gesture of goodwill and to minimize any delay of the programs The House of Friendship was running, HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre swiftly removed our belongings and relocated to a meeting room at The Inn of Waterloo to store these items. In-person programming had been paused as a result of covid-19 and shifted to virtual offerings, so this allowed for a beautiful opportunity for some good to come out of what had been a very difficult pandemic for so many. We are thankful for our strong partnership with The Inn of Waterloo. Over the years, they have been extremely accommodating and supportive of the cancer care support services that we offer. At the time of the fire, HopeSpring had been exploring how and when we would be able to offer in-person programs and services again.

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre’s #1 priority since the fire has been to ensure all support programs continue on without any interruption. We quickly removed as many wigs, head caps, masks, post-mastectomy camisoles and resource items that we could when the organization found out about the fire. The entire team is synergized and focused on the delivery and execution of programming while we assess the exact impact the fire has had on the organization. All tools, resources, and belongings of the HopeSpring programming space were housed in a meeting room below where the fire took place.

A number of individuals in the community have reached out since the fire. We thank those who remembered us during this difficult time and are humbled by the offers of help. Currently, HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre does not know the exact impact the fire has had on our belongings, however, we do know we will be facing loss. Many have asked how they can help. An initial list of in demand items has been gathered and is listed below. The best support at this time is through a financial donation. We ask that those who wish to donate in this way to please use our online profile on the CanadaHelps website. A charitable receipt will be issued immediately. We are a community based organization who does not receive funds from the federal, provincial, regional or local governments so all funds donated remain fully within our community helping those face their cancer journey with hope, dignity and strength.

HopeSpring Cancer Support initial needs:

• Masks (handmade or not)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Soft Cotton fabric/material to make chemo head caps
• Large freezer bags to safely store wigs
• Knit caps
• Head scarves
• Unused/new blankets
• Quilts/fabric to make quilts
• Inspirational notes of encouragement from community members for cancer patients/caregivers/family members
• Yoga mats/blocks
• New/unused pillows
   

As we continue to assess the full extent of the damage to HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre's belongings, we will update the list as needed.  We are extremely grateful for the consideration, generosity, and compassion from our community at this time.  Those who wish to contact HopeSpring regarding support and assistance can email president@hopespring.ca or by calling (519) 742-4673 and leaving a voice message.


About HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre
Until a cure for cancer is found, those facing the diagnosis need a source of support & information in order to cope with the challenges. Since 1995 HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre has offered free individual and group programs and services to people living with cancer, their families and support system. You can learn more about HopeSpring by visiting www.hopespring.ca