My Problem With Awareness Campaigns

When I worked at the Canadian Cancer Society as a corporate fundraiser, I had a sign on my desk that read: “You are here to: No. 1, end cancer, or No. 2, raise money so we can end cancer.”

It guided everything I did.

Could I work with a corporate partner who wanted help changing its workplace to a healthy one? Even if it didn’t raise money, it met the criteria for No. 1, so I’d happily pass the company along to our cancer prevention team.

Could I help write a letter to go to all employees asking them to give during the staff campaign? It accomplished No. 2, so you bet!