WICWC receives a $1 million dollar donation from the Eric T. Webster Foundation
By Rhonda Massad
For the past six years the WICWC has been located in the little yellow house just west of Beaurepaire village in Beaconsfield. Founder and Executive Director Debbie Magwood was not surprised in recent years to find the location small for the growing needs of cancer patients in the community. With a goal in mind of buying a facility for the centre, Magwood and her team began a capital campaign to raise funds for the new building. In December, a $1 million dollar donation was received from he Eric T. Webster Foundation.
“These donations and backing from other local foundations and corporations, have been overwhelming, bringing the total funds donated to date to a little over $2,600,000. Our total capital campaign goal of $3,000,000 is now clearly in sight,” Magwood said.
With only 14% of the funds remaining to be raised Magwood was optimistic that a spring 2016 ground breaking in Kirkland would be possible.
“We knew within three years of opening our doors, that we would soon outgrow our beautiful yellow house. It has taken a couple of years of searching but we have finally found the perfect location”, said Magwood.
As a final goodbye to the little yellow house, participants currently battling cancer, graduates of the Centre, professionals that volunteer their services, present & former staff, general volunteers and donors were invited to cocktail party to celebrate.
The Centre is accustomed to fundraising to exist given they do not receive any Federal
or Provincial government funding, however, this campaign will be their most ambitious fundraising endeavour yet.
The lot is located in Kirkland on DuBarry Road and is in the process of being rezoned.With council approval construction will begin in Spring of 2016. Architectural drawings of the new centre, produced by Tony Zinno from Zinno Zappitelli Architects, were on display for attendees to get a first look.
“We are extremely excited to announce the unprecedented donation of $1,000,000 by the Eric T. Webster Foundation. They’ve been very supportive since the beginning. We are also fortunate to have such wonderful support from top donors such as the Tenaquip Foundation who donated a very generous $400,000, the Amelia and Lino Saputo, Jr. Foundation, and the Legacy Donation of Lucie Vinet,” Magwood explained.
The Fundraising team remains very optimistic the community will come together to help the centre reach their goal of raising the remaining $400,000 needed before the ground breaking ceremony in the spring.
For more information on how you can contribute to the Centre’s future, please call 514-695-9355 or visit wicwc.org
