REGINA – Saskatchewan cable co-op Access Communications received a National Community Champion Award from the Canadian Cancer Society this week.
The award is given to corporations who have made a considerable contribution to the fight against cancer in more than one community. Past recipients include Husky Oil and Rogers Cable.
For the past four years the co-operative has been the event sponsor of Regina’s Relay For Life, an annual 12-hour marathon held to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Access7, the co-operative’s local community channel has broadcast the event live to it’s centers across the province and has been involved each year in the Relays held in Regina, Yorkton, Weyburn and North Battleford. The company’s staff have participated every year as teams of 10, and have contributed thousands each year in support of the event.
"As a 100% community-owned co-operative, we have a mandate to give back to the communities we serve and we’re proud of our involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life,” said Tasha Lupanko, communications officer for Access. “The many long hours of hard work that go into broadcasting the event throughout the province are a labour of love for our staff and volunteers and we’re honoured to be recognized in this way. We’re proud of the initiative our staff show each year in forming teams and committing their efforts to raising money in unique and fun filled ways, and we will celebrate this award with them."
“To recognize Access Communications with this national award of merit is very fitting,” added Rene Gallant, president of the Canadian Cancer Society, who presented the award. “This is a company who has lead the way in the communities they serve by supporting Relay For Life in a variety of ways and in numerous communities. We are truly grateful to be the recipient of their work throughout Saskatchewan."
This is the second time the co-operative has been recognized for their work with Relay For Life. In 2004 the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce recognized them with the Paragon award for Community Alliance.
Relay For Life is the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature annual event held in hundreds of centers across the country. Teams of ten participate by walking or running around a track throughout the 12 hour marathon. The track is lit at dark by hundreds of luminaries bearing the names of those who have been touched by cancer. For more information visit www.cancer.ca
Access Communications Co-operative Limited is the 7th largest cable television provider in Canada. It also provides Internet and wireless cellular services to subscribers across Saskatchewan.
