Yonge + St. Clair partners with the Canadian Cancer Society

For almost the last ten years, the National Headquarters of the Canadian Cancer Society has been able to call the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood their home. As one of the largest tenants here in the business community, it only seemed fitting to partner with them for our most recent activation: the Yonge + St. Clair Pop Up Store.

We sat down with Heather Norris, Manager of Corporate Partnerships here with the Canadian Cancer Society and asked her a few questions to learn more about what goes on within the National Headquarters, and how to raise awareness.

Can you explain your role within the Canadian Cancer Society?

My role is to engage corporate partners with the Canadian Cancer Society to help us achieve our mission. Each company has different passions and interests and I ensure that they are connected to the right program, service or research grant.

Tell us a bit about the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission, and what it means to all Canadians.

The Canadian Cancer Society is the country’s cancer voice. We fund the most promising cancer research, provide trusted information, help bring about healthy public policies and offer support services. We are changing lives for the better so that all Canadians can live more fully.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Impact. Since I was young, I have always wanted to make a difference in the world. The Canadian Cancer Society is doing amazing things to help eradicate cancer and support those living with cancer. I play a small role in making that happen and that is the reason why I wake up excited to come to work every day.

What exactly goes on in the Canadian Cancer Society’s National Headquarters?

At our office we collaborate with our colleagues across the country to do our mission work (research, information and support services for patients and their families, prevention and advocacy) and run our fundraising programs that support this work.

In your opinion, what is the most effective way to raise awareness?

With nearly 1 in 2 Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, people are already very aware of the impact that cancer has. At the Canadian Cancer Society, it’s our job to encourage people to take action to create a world where no one fears cancer.

Are there some surprising facts that you’d like for us to share?

Cancer isn’t one disease but more than 100 different types.

Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society helped almost 163,000 people through our information and support services. No one should face cancer alone.

What do you like best about the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood?

The neighbourhood is like a little community with everything you need – banks, grocery stores, shops, lunch spots and more. Through the summer I really love the Food Truck Thursdays!

Thanks Heather!

The Yonge + St. Clair Store

For two weeks (starting September 21) we’ll be selling custom, on the
spot screen-printed t-shirts featuring original Yonge + St. Clair-centric
artwork by Toronto artist Lucas Young in which 25% of all proceeds
will be donated to The Canadian Cancer Society.

Open 11am to 8pm Thursdays and Fridays
and 12 noon to 6pm Saturdays, September 21 to 30
at 1470 Yonge Street.