HFS Federal Credit Union (HFS) members let their generosity shine during the credit union’s Annual Fundraiser in May. Throughout the month, all branches collected donations in support of American Cancer Society (ACS), and together collected over $26,100!
“The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. The Relay for Life of Hilo Volunteer Leadership Committee is thankful for the support of HFS Federal Credit Union as a Team and sponsor of the event. The funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness. Funds raised will support vital patient programs right here in Hawaii such as our Hope Lodge – located on Oahu that offers a free place to stay to Hawaii Island residents receiving treatment on Oahu – assistance with ground and air transportation, and our 24/7 cancer support line that provides free information and support for people facing the disease to name a few.” – Sarah Luchenbill, West Region Community Development Manager
Local cancer survivor and Relay for Life of Hilo Event Co-Chair Lee Lord understands first-hand how vital these services are. “I can’t express how amazed and shocked I was when they turned the check towards Sarah and I with the amount $26,164 on it. I was truly amazed at the HFS family for their willingness to raise funds for the [American Cancer Society]. I thought about the countless lives that those funds will impact. Every year the percentage of people dying from cancer [and] that are diagnosed with cancer decreases. Someday no one will die from cancer. As a five time skin cancer survivor myself and strong supporter of all that ACS and Relay for Life are doing I really want to express my heartfelt and deep appreciation – Mahalo HFS you are making a big difference.”
Many members of our local community have been touched by cancer and the American Cancer Society directly, through a family member or even a friend. It is for this reason that HFS continues to support ACS. When the community comes together to collectively support an organization that has helped many of their loved ones, a real difference can be made.
This year’s Relay for Life of Hilo will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Francis Wong Stadium from 4:00pm to Midnight. A free Cancer Survivor Celebration will be held before the event at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale. The celebration will include a free lunch and is open to all cancer survivors and their caregivers to attend. For more information please go to their website at https://www.relayforlife.org/hilohi or call 935-9763. Survivors can register for the survivor celebration by calling the office. The event is open to the public and this year’s committee has lots of great activities planned. Come on down and support the fight against cancer by supporting our Relay Teams fundraisers. The HFS team will be there, so come on by our tent and say hello!
