LAKELAND – Cancer is not just one disease, but there are over 200 types of cancer.
“Cancer is a group of more than 200 different diseases that are characterized by abnormal cells in the body that divide and spread without control,” according to information from the Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Approximately 16,000 Albertans are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Cancer has plagued humanity for ages. It affects many aspects of a person’s life and their family. Family relationships may suffer, and people may struggle with strong feelings like fear, anger, or guilt, according to information Canadian Cancer Society.
As people diagnosed with cancer already go through a lot, there is also the financial burden that comes with it.
This financial burden is what the Haying in the 30's Cancer Support Society, which has been operating in the Lakeland for about 30 years, has hoped to ease.
“It’s important that we – friends, family, neighbours, communities – be able to help each other in times of need,” said Fernande Jean, vice-president of Haying in the 30’s.
Jean said that an individual cannot heal by themselves, but “It takes a village.”
Haying in the 30’s offers a one-time payment of $1,000 to those affected by the disease, helping cover costs like travel, lodging, and parking for recipients when they must travel for medical appointments and treatment.
Each month, Haying in the 30’s helps 40 people, which translates to about $40,000 being distributed each month.
“If we have excess of funds, we do help more, but there’s a guarantee of 40 [people] every month that we help,” explained Jean.
In 2023, the society helped over 500 people.
Support is meaningful
When Carrie Laurie, who lives in the St. Lina area, was diagnosed with cancer and rushed for surgery, it all happened very suddenly.
She went into the hospital on Feb. 16, was diagnosed the next day, and on Feb. 18 she had surgery to remove some of the cancer.
“Suddenly I went from being full-time employed with benefits to unemployed with no benefits," she says. "Haying in the 30’s sent me a cheque less than a month later. What a blessing it was to have a little bit of the financial burden relieved.”
Laurie says she has "always enjoyed going to Haying in the 30’s. It’s such a great cause to support and now I know how important of an organization it is.”
Raising funds
The society raises funding through a variety of fundraising efforts each year. But their biggest one is a charity event by the same name, held over the Heritage Day long weekend in August, at the Haying in the 30’s grounds near Mallaig.
A historic agriculture-theme event, Haying in the 30’s is a live re-enactment of the past, featuring agricultural displays, historical buildings, and live demonstrations of what life was like back in the 1930s.
In 2023, the event was attended by over 6,000 people and raised over $300,000.
This summer, Jean says old attractions will be returning, along with two new attractions, although these new attractions remain undisclosed - for now.
Preparations at the Haying in the 30’s grounds will start in June and lead up to the event in August. The large event requires lots of help, and people who are interested in volunteering for the cause can visit the Haying in the 30’s website at hayinginthe30s.com or get in touch with the non-profit by phone at 780-210-3030.
With summer fast approaching, Jean invites the whole Lakeland community - and those located beyond - to attend the event. Admissions, as always, will be free, and donations are encouraged.
Haying in the 30’s does not pay administration costs to those who help run the organization. Everyone involved with Haying in the 30’s works on a volunteer basis.
This means that all money raised from fundraising efforts go to help people battling cancer.
