Finch contributes to the fight against cancer.
Return to the Conquering Cancer home page
For the past decade, London's Saunders Secondary School has set an incredibly high standard through their annual fundraising campaign with funds benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society. As the most successful high school fundraising campaign in Ontario, Sauncers Cancer Campaign has continued to grow in terms of exposure and funds year after year. With their 2011 campaign now completed, Saunders has reaffirmed their commitment to continually improving their efforts by setting a new school record by raising $62,740.13.
As they have done each of the past eight years, Finch Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC once again made a significant contribution to the campaign by donating a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze which was raffled off in the campaign's featured events. Since making their first donation in 2004, Finch has played a major role in the success experienced by the record-breaking Cancer Campaign. Over that time period, Saunders has consistently reported incredible fundraising numbers:
2004 - $44,000
2005 - $61,000
2006 - $53,000
2007 - $55,000
2008 - $60,000
2009 - $61,000
2010 - $45,000
2011 - $62,740
Total - Over $441,740 raised in donations
As a graduate of Saunders Secondary School, Ryan Finch - the President of Finch Automotive Group - didn’t hesitate when he was initially asked to lend assistance to the fundraising campaign: “I went to Saunders and this cause really hit home, so I was happy to get involved when they approached me about the idea.” Ryan’s deep emotional connection to the cause has provided additional meaning to the dealership’s donations: “My grandmother died of cancer. My aunt also died of it at the age of 54. It’s a horrible disease.”
Finch made its first contribution to the cause in 2004 when the dealership partially donated a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. The next year, Finch increased its participation by fully donating a 2005 Sunfire. Since then, Finch has continued to fully donate vehicles to the campaign, providing the most lucrative fundraising technique employed by the school.
Before Saunders began reporting record-breaking number in 2002, school fundraising for cancer in London had been steadily declining. However, Saunders’ efforts over the past decade have caused an influx of donations made towards the Trillium Foundation. Each year, the campaign raises enough funds to send hundreds of children to Camp Trillium, a week-long experience that offers support and respite to children and families battling cancer.
The Saunders fundraising campaign is about more than just raising funds for a great cause. It has also come a long way in terms of fostering awareness and education among the school’s approximately 2000 students. Almost the entire student body gets involved in over 100 activities held over the course of the year and the campaign boasts an organizing committee that is generally comprised of over 60 students.
The Finch Automotive Group would like to congratulate Saunders' faculty and students, as well as everyone else who was involved in this record breaking campaign. We look forward to being a part of this great cause for many years to come.
Return to the Conquering Cancer home page