At least half a dozen London landmarks will be illuminated in gold this week in an effort to raise awareness and show support for children in the community battling cancer.
As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Childcan has asked that buildings in the city be awash in the vibrant colour from September 3 to September 9.
“This show of support is so important to the families and children we serve,” Childcan Executive Director Kathleen Barnard said in a statement. “Unless it has touched you personally, many don’t realize how pervasive childhood cancer is. It means a lot to the families coping with it to see that our community stands with them.”
Buildings and monuments in the city that have already committed to the initiative include London City Hall at 300 Dufferin St., the fountain at the Forks of the Thames, RBC Place London (formerly the London Convention Centre), the JA Taylor Building, and the Sifton and Canada Life buildings.
This is the fourth year London has participated in the event. Gold is the official colour of childhood cancer.
So far this decade, 10,000 Canadian children have been diagnosed with paediatric cancer, according to Childcan. The London-based charity offers emotional, financial, and social programs and services to families and children who have been diagnosed with the devastating disease across much of southwestern Ontario.
“Our Childcan families are dealing with a lot – the emotional impact of a very sick child, the enormous expenses that go along with the diagnosis, time away from work to care for their child – it’s a very tough road, and we want to help in whatever way will best ease their burden,” said Barnard.
Other awareness and fundraising events slated for September include the 10,000 Paces for 10,000 Faces walk and run, happening in London and LaSalle on September 27 and Goderich on September 28.