$3.5 million donation supports Western Manitoba Cancer Centre in Brandon

CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is pleased to announce a gift that will enable construction of a new Centre for Hope at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre in Brandon. The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation has donated $3.5 million to establish the Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope, providing care and support closer to home for people on a journey with cancer in the Westman region. The announcement was made this morning by Chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Board Lee Meagher at a ground-breaking event for the facility.

The Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope will offer expanded access to cancer services for hundreds of patients and their families living in the area. Services will include physical and emotional wellness programs, which are critical to improving patient experience and outcomes. In addition, the Centre will offer individualized education and resources for patients and families to help navigate their way through the cancer system.

“It’s hard to put into words how impactful this gift is. It will change the cancer experience for Manitobans and their families for many, many years to come,” said Patti Smith, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “I would like to extend my heartful thanks to the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation for believing in this vision and understanding the importance of supporting patients through all aspects of their cancer journey.”

“Our support of the Centre for Hope builds on Paul’s well recognized legacy of philanthropy in Manitoba and continues his vision of enhancing and expanding important healthcare services for everyone,” said Judy Hill, trustee of the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation. “Paul began his career and built his business in the Westman area and I know he would be very proud to give back to the community in this way.”

“Research and experience tell us when patients are well supported through their cancer experiences, clinical treatments are more effective, and recovery is more complete,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “On behalf of cancer patients and their families, we are very grateful to the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation for making this possible. This gift will bring an immediate impact to Manitobans who live in the Westman region.”

Construction is set to begin immediately. Design plans for the Centre include approximately 3,000 square feet of dedicated indoor space, a solarium for yoga and other wellness activities, as well as an outdoor courtyard space and healing gardens intended to provide respite from the clinical environment.