Yukoners can purchase a Yukon Denim Day button from local businesses. Proceeds go to the Yukoner Cancer Care Fund

Every little bit helps. That’s the philosophy behind Yukon Denim Day and the support that Yukoners Cancer Care Fund provides to individuals affected by cancer. Yukoners can purchase a Denim Day button at participating businesses and know that the five dollar fee for the button will go towards the fund.

“The fund itself recognizes that we’re all different, but the effects of cancer are brutal for everyone,” said Philip Fitzgerald, Yukon Hospital Foundation chair. “The low cost means that everyone who wants can contribute.”

The event itself is a fun community event that gets everyone involved in supporting other Yukoners in need. The Yukoners Cancer Care Fund started in 2013 to help all individuals diagnosed with cancer (with the exception of breast cancer, which has Karen’s Fund for assistance) and started disbursing funds in 2014. Recipients can receive a one-time gift of $1,000 to assist with costs that may be difficult to cover during cancer treatment.

“It’s meant to be a little bit extra for those costs that are still there,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s always surprising how many people come forward and share their own experience in the family.”

The funds are used to pay for things like childcare or a pet sitter, snow removal, food, monthly bills, heating and many other expenses that do not stop, even though a person is fighting cancer. As of March 2019, the fund has assisted 184 Yukoners from across the territory.

“We are asking people to buy a Denim Day button and to support Yukoners in their fight against cancer,” said Karen Forward, Yukon Hospital Foundation president. “We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of all our sponsors, volunteers and the wider community.

“It really is incredible what we have achieved together. So please, this Denim Day, wear your jeans and buy a button to show your support. Little by little, five dollars becomes a lot.”

The event will encourage Yukoners to share their participation on social media on April 24 using #YukonDenimDay. For more information and to find out where to get a button, check the Yukon Hospital Foundation on Facebook.

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