Daffodil Ball and Lundin Cancer Fund raise record $10.85 million to fund life-saving cancer research

In a new partnership with the Lundin Cancer Fund, the Daffodil Ball raised a record-breaking $10.85 million for the Canadian Cancer Society on Saturday night in Vancouver, establishing it as Canada’s largest gala for cancer research. 

Celebrating its 29th year, the Daffodil Ball is one of Vancouver’s most anticipated annual galas. This year’s event partnered with the Lundin Cancer Fund, whose mission is to finance the very best in brain cancer research around the world. This partnership brought together the city’s most influential business and community leaders in support of research projects that will tackle cancer’s biggest challenges, with an emphasis on saving and improving the lives of people facing glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer.  

Over nearly three decades, the event has raised an impressive $39 million to change the future of cancer. Proceeds from this year’s gala will fund world-leading research across cancer types and across the cancer continuum, from prevention to diagnosis to treatment and beyond. 

“It’s a time of uncertainty for cancer researchers, with many facing significant and direct funding risk from changes happening south of the border,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “At this year’s Daffodil Ball with the Lundin Cancer Fund, 850 dedicated guests helped reduce the impact on Canada’s research community to ensure the most promising cancer research continues uninterrupted.” 

Donations will go towards the new Lundin Cancer Fund–Canadian Cancer Society Glioblastoma Research Program, Canada’s largest research program focused exclusively on glioblastoma. Thanks to this partnership, the program will bring together some of the brightest minds to advance research on glioblastoma. 

At this year’s event, the Lundin Cancer Fund and Canadian Cancer Society unveiled the “Summit Society,” a new powerhouse group of supporters spearheaded by Caroline Peng, Senior Director of Development for the Lundin Cancer Fund. The Summit Society is composed of people who have given more than $100,000 each to support glioblastoma research, collectively contributing $6.5 million to the program. In addition, the Lundin Cancer Fund matched $1 million, bringing a total contribution of $7.5 million to establish the Glioblastoma Research Program. 

“These transformational donors share a conviction that any obstacle – no matter how large or seemingly insurmountable – can be conquered,” states Peng. 

“At the Lundin Cancer Fund, we know firsthand that glioblastoma is a complex and devastating cancer with immense impact on people, their loved ones and communities. The stakes couldn’t be higher,” says Jack Lundin, CEO, Lundin Mining Corporation. “Thanks to the members of the Summit Society, the partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, and the generous funds raised at this year’s Daffodil Ball, we are confident that together we can spur action and change the landscape for people facing glioblastoma.” 

Presented by long-time sponsor Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., in partnership with the Lundin Cancer Fund, guests enjoyed an inspiring evening at the iconic Vancouver Convention Centre. The event was organized by a committee of dedicated business leaders and humanitarians, led by co-chairs Jennifer Traub, Jill Arias and Kaeli Gattens, and in collaboration with Caroline Peng at the Lundin Cancer Fund. 

Guests at this year's ball had the chance to bid on an array of luxury items in both live and silent auctions. Among the highlights was the Diamond Raffle, where attendees could win a stunning bracelet featuring an exquisite Lucara diamond, set in 18k gold sourced directly from Lundin Gold’s Fruta del Norte mine, designed in collaboration with Costen Catbalue Goldsmiths & Design and valued at $42,000. The raffle raised $79,100 that will directly contribute to the Lundin Cancer Fund–Canadian Cancer Society Glioblastoma Research Program. 

Guests also received a video greeting from Tragically Hip band member Paul Langlois, congratulating Vancouver for a record-breaking Daffodil Ball and raising much needed funds for glioblastoma research. 

“Each of us has a role to play when it comes to taking on cancer,” says Seale. “The Daffodil Ball committee and Vancouver’s business and philanthropic community never falter in their efforts to lead the way to a future without cancer.” 

To find out more information or to make a donation, please visit www.daffodilballbc.ca 

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