For over a decade now, its annual fashion show has been a major fundraiser for South Central Cancer Resource, but it is just as vital for raising awareness.
All the models for the April 25 event will be cancer survivors, volunteers, or members of the community who have shared in a cancer journey with a loved one, so the opportunity to share those stories can have a big impact.
“For some people, it’s a very personal journey, and they don’t talk about it to even friends or family … for those who are willing to share how and what they’ve gone through, it is huge,” said Leora Hamm, administrative resource co-ordinator for SCCR.
Having volunteers like a couple of mothers honouring their young children who were former cancer patients and a few teenagers as well as seniors really gets the message across that cancer touches everyone, added Hamm.
“They’re either cancer patients, former patients who might be in remission, or they’re modelling in honour of a loved one or in memory of a loved one. We give them a little bit of an opportunity to share a little bit about their cancer journey.”
Having an impact as well will be guest speakers Greg and Allison Heso sharing their family’s experience dealing with Allison’s breast cancer during the pandemic.
“They’re going to talk a little bit, as immigrants to Canada, what that was like going through that during COVID and at a time when they didn’t have a lot of support,” Hamm says.
The fashion show is the SCCR’s biggest fundraiser, netting over $43,000 last year.
“That goes a long way to keeping our office doors open for sure,” said Hamm, who noted there is still a lack of awareness that SCCR is not government funded and not associated with CancerCare Manitoba.
Founded in 2003, SCCR relies solely on the support of community donors, volunteers, and fundraisers to continue offering services and programs.
With its client numbers continuing to trend upwards, it is really counting on fundraising efforts to be a success in order to continue helping all of those in the south central region who need support throughout their battles with cancer, said Hamm.
“We’re here to kind of fill in that piece of the puzzle,” she said, observing that the financial impact of cancer is often overlooked.
“Cancer is expensive. We often think about the emotional and the physical side of it … when you’re off work for months at a time, and your spouse is off work to care for you and drive you in for treatments,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people really understand that piece to having cancer.”
The Beauty in Bloom fashion show takes place at the Morden Access Event Centre Thursday, April 25. It will feature clothing and accessories from Fashions by Co-op, Knockabouts, Copper & Sparrow, Livienne Bridal, Stephen Street Wear, and Focal Point. The evening will also include a rainbow auction.
Tickets go on sale online at sccr.mb.ca on Friday, March 15 at 9 a.m. Last year they sold out within 24 hours.
