The story began in 2013 when a group of friends in Clarenville registered to run the Bluenose Marathon. Inspired by a close friend’s battle, they registered as a team to raise funds to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma. From there, the concept grew, bolstered by the unwavering support of their community. Forging partnerships with organizations like the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and Young Adult Cancer Canada, Power to Hope is able to assist cancer patients and their families across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
The Power to Hope banner boasts two very successful fundraising vehicles: Power to Hope 5K in Clarenville and Power to Hope Christmas Dinner and Dance. The Power to Hope Christmas Dinner and Dance is a time where good friends come together and share a memorable evening. They enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, live entertainment, and thanks to generous donations by businesses and individuals in the community, both a silent and live auction. The Power to Hope Christmas Dinner and Dance is the largest fundraiser outside St. John’s for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation Patient and Family Support Fund. This program helps lessen the financial stresses that families experience when going through the rigors of cancer treatment. Funds raised are able to relieve treatment-related expenses such as travel, meals, accommodation and the purchase of prostheses. The Power to Hope 5K encourages individuals of all ages to be active while at the same time offers individuals an opportunity to raise funds for Young Adult Cancer Canada through sponsorship.
In addition to these two events, Power to Hope helps support events for other cancer-related support organizations like Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or they directly help individuals facing a cancer diagnosis in our community through financial contributions, online bake sales, or even by providing meals for families. Since 2013, Power to Hope has raised over $300,000 for cancer-related causes. In 2016 they were the recognized with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the Newfoundland and Labrador Spirit of Philanthropy Awards.
Paul Bloom, professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University puts it quite succinctly when he says, ’The key to the happy life, it seems, is the good life: a life with sustained relationships, challenging work, and connections to community.’ Simple acts of kindness, such as giving to charity or expressing gratitude have a positive effect on our long-term moods. It is this sentiment that inspired Power Conditioning Inc. to create Power To Hope and it is this sentiment that keeps those involved motivated to keep on giving.
