Cloverdale Family Donates $1 Million to Transform Cancer Care in Surrey

A family from Cloverdale has made a significant contribution to cancer care in British Columbia, donating $1 million to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. This generous gift will help fund the new B.C. Cancer Centre currently under construction in Surrey, located south of Highway #10, directly across from KPU-Cloverdale. The donation was announced during a reception in Vancouver on January 22, 2023.

According to a press release from the foundation, this funding will enhance access to life-saving treatments, innovative technology, and cutting-edge research, ensuring that more British Columbians receive timely, high-quality care. The Benko family, represented by Shelly Appleton-Benko and Tim Benko, expressed their commitment to supporting families in need. They stated, “We hope this gift inspires our community to join us in building a future where every patient has access to world-class treatment, close to home.”

The foundation highlighted the increasing demand for cancer services, projecting a 33% rise in cancer diagnoses over the next decade. “The need for expanded, innovative care has never been greater,” the statement emphasized.

Features of the New Cancer Centre

The new cancer centre in Cloverdale is set to be the most advanced facility of its kind in British Columbia and the second largest overall. It will feature 54 new chemotherapy spaces, which will more than double the current capacity in the Fraser region. Other notable elements include advanced imaging laboratories, precision radiation treatment suites, and the province’s first MRI-guided brachytherapy program. Additionally, this centre will serve as a hub for clinical trials, precision oncology, and theranostics, attracting top experts and fostering new discoveries that will benefit patients across the province.

Sylvie Bourque, Executive Medical Director for B.C. Cancer – Surrey, stated, “The new B.C. Cancer Centre in Surrey will serve as a hub of innovation and excellence in care. Support from donors like the Benko family empowers our teams to deliver the best possible care and hope to our patients.”

The B.C. Cancer Foundation is currently aiming to raise $30 million to support the development of the cancer centre in Cloverdale, which is expected to open alongside the new hospital in 2030. For more information about the treatment centre or how to contribute, visit bccancerfoundation.com/surrey.

This donation marks a pivotal step in enhancing cancer care accessibility in British Columbia, reflecting the Benko family’s deep commitment to community health and well-being.