For more than 100 years, the Lung Association, Canada’s oldest charity, has been using the holiday-themed seals on their mail in order to both raise awareness of and funds for lung disease.
In the early days, the association battled tuberculosis.
Today the mission of the B.C. Lung Association is to promote lung health and clean air and support the growing number of British Columbians struggling with breathing problems including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and sleep apnea.
“Christmas Seals are a very visible way of showing that people care about the continuing fight against lung disease,” says Mike Ellis, B.C. Lung Association volunteer director for the Victoria region.
“Our fundraising target for the 2011 campaign is $1 million,” says Ellis.
“We’re urging people to give as much as they can to help us maintain the important lung health research and community education and patient support programs we deliver year round.”
The money raised through donations to Christmas Seals is put to careful use funding medical research into the treatment and prevention of lung disease, patient support programs and services in communities across British Columbia, and helping children choose a smoke-free lifestyle.
Those wishing to make a donation can do so by calling 1.800.665.5864 or visiting www.bc.lung.ca.