IMPACT REPORT 2020 IN REVIEW
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IMPACT REPORT 2020 IN REVIEW
LIGHT THE JOURNEY From the desk of our Executive Director
GLOBAL PANDEMIC
2020 was a year of many challenges. The COVID-19 crisis changed so many things
about the way we live and work, about how our children learn and play. For families
of children with cancer, the coronavirus added more stress and anxiety to an already
difficult situation. Sadly, childhood cancer stops for no one and nothing. Not even a global
pandemic. But these unfortunate cancer families were able to rely on Candlelighters
to provide valuable support when they needed it, despite what was happening around
the world.
The commitment of our donors and volunteers enabled Candlelighters to continue
providing real, tangible programs for young cancer patients and their families in a year
filled with uncertainty. The meaningful impact Candlelighters continues to make, thanks
to the generosity of our community, inspires us to continue our efforts so young cancer
patients will get the support they need no matter what the future holds.
Focusing on what really matters has helped all of us cope throughout the unprecedented
year of change. Never before has family been more important. 71 children and youth
were diagnosed with cancer in 2020, all of whom were welcomed into Candlelighters’
“family of families”. Our donors trusted Candlelighters to ensure these families know they
are not alone in their journey and that they can count on Candlelighters to help ease the
burden after hearing the devastating news “your child has cancer.” The path forward
for them is difficult and at times can seem insurmountable. But what choice do they
have? No one chooses to have a child with cancer, but regrettably, it is a reality for over
10,000 children across Canada at any given time. In our region, 325 member families
benefitted from Candlelighters’ programs and services throughout 2020. We are filled
with gratitude for everyone who made such an immense accomplishment possible.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Candlelighters remains wholly dependent on the generosity of our individual donors,
community and corporate partners for the resources required for ongoing program
delivery. We are sincerely thankful that they share our passion for making a difference
in the lives of children with cancer.
We are indeed fortunate to have the ongoing support of Mr. E. Neville Ward, who ensures
Candlelighters’ continues to provide invaluable resources for families coping with a childhood
cancer diagnosis. Alterna Savings hosted a very successful on-line auction in August, with
CEO Rob Paterson announcing $120,000 was raised in support of Candlelighters. Those
funds were critical to operations in 2020, ensuring the sustainability of not only the E-reader
program sponsored by Alterna, but in providing assurance other programs would also continue
and we could plan for the future. In May, Gabriel Pizza announced the newly developed Ollie’s
Pizza campaign, with a portion of each Ollie’s Pizza purchased coming to Candlelighters. We
are thrilled to have this campaign continue in 2021. CIBC Children’s Foundation provided
$20,000 in June, with our thanks to Mark McCooeye. Much as we were disappointed to not
host an annual fundraising dinner, our sincere thanks go to Dale Gagnon, who, together with
other past attendees, continued their support of Candlelighters and collectively raised in
1 excess of $30,000. Candlelighters “Non-Dinner Dinner” on-line fundraising campaign alsoraised over $10,000 due to the hard work of our Board of Directors. A community
LIGHT THE JOURNEY
partnership with Algonquin College and the Event Management Program resulted in a
$10,000 donation to Candlelighters, and the partnership continuing in 2021. We are also
very thankful for the ongoing support we receive from the Carswell family for the ongoing
delivery of Tori’s Helping Hand, and from our friends at Refuse 2 Lose Team Bryce. While
Candlelighters typically does not receive any government funding, we were fortunate
to access CEWS, CERS and CEBA funding through the Canadian federal government
pandemic relief program. And an additional $5,000 was received from the Community
Foundation of Ottawa’s Emergency Relief Fund.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Internally, there were a number of operational changes necessitated by the pandemic.
Reducing the staff component by two positions and leaving just 2 staff positions required the
reallocation of many administrative and program related tasks. Efficiencies in some reporting
practices were found due to the streamlining of processes. Remaining staff benefitted with
opportunities for professional growth and skill development in assuming new responsibilities.
As the world pivoted to virtual platforms and sharing information over the internet, so too
did Candlelighters. As an organization, Candlelighters’ confidence and comfort steadily
increased as we expanded our use of Zoom and Microsoft Teams to meet with members,
volunteers and donors. We also started sharing video messages through our social media
platforms. Direct communications with the membership increased as we continually shared
news about our program revisions and availability through the Enews and Member Updates,
making certain families knew they were eligible whether their child is On or Off Treatment.
In order to continue responding to the needs of the membership in the face of the coronavirus,
we engaged in a needs assessment (early June) to determine the ongoing impact of COVID-19
on mental and financial health as well as to understand the memberships’ level of comfort with
various virtual platforms.
Subsequent to that, Candlelighters initiated a “Kids, Cancer & COVID-19” education series
with Dr. Donna Johnston MD, FRCPC, FAAP Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology CHEO,
Associate Professor Ottawa University, holding our first Zoom presentation for parents in late
June with 35 participants. “Kids, Cancer & COVID-19 – Back to School” was hosted at the
end of August with over 60 participants. The success of these virtual education seminars was
a catalyst for Candlelighters to continue with a “Speaker Series” in 2021 where speakers and
topics have been confirmed based on the direct feedback from the Membership Survey.
We proudly piloted “Education Support ~ Survivors” in the fall of 2020 after receiving initial
funding from Mr. Ward. Thirteen (13) childhood cancer survivors of various ages benefitted
from this pilot program, which is now an important initiative within the Off Treatment/Survivor
portfolio of programming.
Other 2020 program highlights include:
• awarding 9 x $1,000 post-secondary education bursaries to successful applicants in
May,
• effectively transitioning our Counselling programs to virtual and telephone support
with Jennifer Finestone MA, RP, CCC, RDT, 2• ongoing success of the Oncology Social Work Fund, in partnership with the
LIGHT THE JOURNEY CHEO Foundation,
• supporting 25 families in need at the holidays through CHEO’s hamper initiative.
LOOKING AHEAD
Although 2020 is behind us, the full impact of COVID-19 has not yet been realized. As an
organization, Candlelighters will enthusiastically continue to navigate the uncertainty with
determination, knowing we have the support of our community behind us. We will continue
working alongside the professional health care team at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario. We will pursue innovative solutions to address emerging needs and the every-day
challenges that childhood cancer families encounter.
Candlelighters’ recognizes that the need for help does not necessarily end for childhood
cancer patients and their families when treatment is completed. We will continue to explore
and implement exciting new initiatives that address late effects that occur for 2/3 of young
patients as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. We are grateful for those
parents who continue to share their triumphs and challenges with us. Their knowledge
and experience help pave the way for Candlelighters to continue helping families who find
themselves walking a similar path.
The ongoing safety of our member families, supporters, volunteers, and staff is vital and a
priority moving forward. It is because of their commitment that children with cancer will have
continued access to programs that help make life a little bit easier during trying times and
parents and caregivers will get help when it matters most.
The incredible impact Candlelighters’ makes in our community is a reflection of the selfless
contributions of so many people. This passion, commitment and dedication will guide
Candlelighters through 2021 and beyond. Childhood cancer is a journey. Together, our
continued efforts will #LightTheJourney of young cancer patients and their families. For
where there’s light, there’s hope.
Jocelyn Lamont
Executive Director
April 26, 2021
3Financial Summary
LIGHT THE JOURNEY
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Candlelighters’ ability to raise funds in
2020. Various planned internal and external events were not held as a result of Public
Health guidelines and restricitions including The Inside Ride, Chipping In For Charity, the
Morguard Golf Event and The Memorial Golf Tournament.
For the year ended December 31, 2020 2019
Revenue 545,023 854,141
Expenses 534,751 683,136
Excess of revenue over expenses $ 10,272 171,005
The total decrease in year over year revenue was 37%, with Event revenue dropping
94% and a 65% decrease in Third Party revenue. On a more positive note, Foundation
revenue increased by 900%, largely a result of funding that became available from various
foundations as a result of the pandemic. Candlelighters also accessed over sixty-three
thousand dollars from available government pandemic relief subsidies.
Candlelighters is sincerely grateful to our many supporters who helped ensure program
delivery through 2020. Individual donations increased by 47.5% which included a noted
increase from families who have previously benefitted from Candlelighters services,
demonstrating their belief in the value and impact Candlelighters makes in the lives of
families of children with cancer.
4LIGHT THE JOURNEY
Candlelighters stives to keep the costs associated with operations as lean as possible. In
a fluctuating economy, this presents challenges as the need for office space, equipment
and staff remain constant while donation revenue is ever changing. Since July 2020,
Candlelighters has managed all aspects of program and service delivery, fundraising,
communications and office administration with only two full-time staff. The organization
is governed completely by a volunteer board of directors who give freely of their time and
expertise, donating numerous hours providing the necessary oversight and accepting
the fiduciary responsibility necessary as regulated by CRA for a Registered Charity to
operate in Canada.
5As a local not-for-profit organization, Candlelighters remains dependent on the support
LIGHT THE JOURNEY
and many contributions of numerous individuals and community partners for the
necessary resources to provide critical programs and services for children, and their
families, coping with childhood cancer. Through provision of 20+ programs, over 300
member families benefit annually. The many offerings provided by Candlelighters are
designed in our ongoing effort to meet the needs and address the challenges of young
patients and their families, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
We are extremely grateful to our donors and supporters for making it possible for us to
have the incredible impact we are so privileged to make in their lives.
2020 MEMBER FAMILIES ~ PATIENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
Candlelighters experienced a year over year increase of 42%1 of newly diagnosed children
with 71 families hearing the news ‘your child has cancer’. 26 children experienced a relapse/
recurrence or secondary diagnosis, a 23% increase. 12 children passed away as a result of
their cancer diagnosis.
We are committed to helping families in their time of need where ever they may be in the
childhood cancer journey. The membership of 325 is made up of 35% On Treatment families
and 65% Off Treatment families (including bereaved).
As a result of Public Health measures implemented to combat COVID-19, all “in-person”
programs were suspended indefinitely in March 2020. This included Support Groups & Drop
Ins, Education Seminars, Suite Seats and the Youth Survivor Initiative (YSI). As a result, our
Family Support and Survivor Support program delivery expenditures decreased by 57% and
53% respectively.
1 2019 was a year of uncharacteristically low diagnosis at only 50 versus the anticipated 65 6LIGHT THE JOURNEY FINANCIAL SUPPORT
A reported 1/3 of after tax income can be spent on out-of-pocket costs related to a
family facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. Financial support is the largest area of
expenditures within the Patient & Family programs portfolio as Candlelighters engages
in a number of programs to decrease the financial burden these families are challenged
with. Notwithstanding some revisions to programs as a result of COVID-19, financial
support accounted for 56% of Patient & Family program spending.
A significant number of families benefit from financial assistance when no other funding
support is available to them. Candlelighters responded to 61 requests for financial
assistance through our Patient Amenities Program. We continue to partner with the CHEO
Foundation to maintain the Oncology Social Work Fund, which provided assistance
to an additional 34 families in financial need. 19 families benefitted from the Special
Circumstances program. These unfortunate families are in extremely difficult situations.
Patients with complex care needs place tremendous stress on families. Often the child’s
care is accessed in a different city. This separates families as one parents stays in the
family home to tend to siblings and maintain the household while the other parent travels
with the ill child. These situations can go on for months and create enormous financial
and emotional burden.
22 families accessed care outside of the national capital region, receiving travel packs
through Tori’s Helping Hand. 30 requests for palliative and bereavement support were
also supported by Tori’s Helping Hand.
The Journey Forward Program, which delivers Red Apron, gas and grocery cards in envelopes
mailed to families 3, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis, sent a total of 158 packages.
Once again in 2020, Candlelighters awarded nine (9) post-secondary education bursaries
to successful applicants.
7EDUCATION SUPPORT
LIGHT THE JOURNEY
Supporting young cancer patients with their academic endeavors is a priority for Candlelighters.
Many of our patients and childhood cancer survivors’ schooling is negatively impacted by long
absences from the classroom, fatigue, loss of interest, and late effects from chemotherapy and
radiation treatments. Giving kids the tools they need to succeed academically and providing
parents with resources that allow them to develop greater understanding of childhood cancer
are the foundation of our Education Support programs. Understanding the diagnosis and
learning to build positive coping strategies equips both patients and parents to better manage
the childhood cancer journey.
All 71 newly diagnosed patients were offered an iPad through CyberKids and a kindle
paperwhite device through the E-Reader program. We continue to provide hard copy
resources for parents at the time of their child’s diagnosis, with new resources being added
in 2021.
FAMILY & SURVIVOR SUPPORT
Family Support and Survivor Support spending were both severely and negatively impacted
by the pandemic with multiple program suspensions and a more than a 50% decrease in each
area of total program spending. Sadly, just as our in-person support drop-ins and groups
were beginning to gain traction and the number of participants were rising in early 2020, all
of these offerings were suspended. Suite Seats saw a record low of only 48 families attend
either an Ottawa Senators hockey game or other entertaining event prior to its closing in mid
March. Popularity in the Youth Survivor Initiative was also growing prior to the pandemic, but
it too was suspended indefinitely.
8Childhood cancer impacts all members of a family and changes their lives forever. Fear
LIGHT THE JOURNEY of the unknown creates anxiety. There are many transitions along the continuum of
care, from On treatment to Off treatment, maintenance, back to school and long term
survivorship. We look forward to restarting in-person support initiatives, where parents
can share their experiences and strategies for coping, where siblings can develop their
own coping strategies and where families can be families, creating happy memories
during difficult times.
There were, however, positives in 2020 in both Family and Survivor support. The successful
launch of “Education Support ~ Survivors” further demonstrates Candlelighters’
commitment to supporting academics in those impacted by childhood cancer.
Candlelighters also happily celebrated the “End of Treatment” with 60 young patients in
2020, with our heartfelt thanks to Gabriella’s Groupies, the program sponsor. The “Wall
of Champions” in our office, (containing instax photos of program recipients), had to be
rezoned to accommodate them all!
Another high point in 2020 was the successful transition to virtual counselling with Jennifer
Finestone MA, RP, CCC, RDT, who works with our parents and siblings in the community.
We will also be exploring virtual support groups with Jennifer in 2021.
Candlelighters remains dedicated to helping and supporting all families impacted by a
childhood cancer diagnosis in the National Capital and the surrounding region. We help
bridge the gaps that occur when their lives change so rapidly and intensely. Candlelighters
is here for families every step of the way in their journey.
9What the families say
LIGHT THE JOURNEY
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10LIGHT THE JOURNEY Final Thoughts
Creating this report has provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges Candlelighters
has faced in the year and the actions we have taken to address them. It provides a snapshot
of how we improve the lives of young cancer patients and their families. 2020 was a year that
none of us will forget. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives in ways we could never
have imagined. As we think of our own personal circumstances, it is hard to imagine others
who have had to navigate through this pandemic with a child who has cancer. The need for
Candlelighters has never been greater.
CONTACT US
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs
21 Concourse Gate, Suite 9, Ottawa, ON K2E 7S4 Canada
Tel 613.715.9157
Email information@candlelighters.net
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