Fort Kent ~ Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) accepted donations from two local sources this week on behalf of the Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund. The first source was a cash contribution in the amount of $626 from TD Bank’s Affinity Program. The Program helps non-profit organizations such as NMMC raise money by receiving an annual cash contribution from TD Bank based upon the average deposit balance held by the non-profit’s participating members, in this case, NMMC employees. The Affinity Program makes an annual cash contribution to the organization based on member participation. Information about TD Bank’s Affinity Membership Program or to find a store near you, call 888-751-9000. To learn more visit www.td.com.
The second source of contribution to the Paradis Fund was $200 presented by Denise Sinclair, outgoing President of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). The mission of the ALA is to serve veterans, their families, and their communities. ALA is actually the largest patriotic women’s organization in the world and is 900,000 members strong. Locally, Unit 145 which encompasses Frenchville, St. Agatha, Sinclair, Fort Kent and Madawaska, boasts 118 members. Sinclair said, “We tell our supporters that their donations always come back to local people.” Members participate in a wide variety of activities and programs that positively impact the lives of others with their volunteerism.
NMMC Chief Financial Officer, Cindy Daigle was on site to accept the donations. Daigle indicated that the funds will go directly to local patients in need of support to assist with travel expenses for family members of cancer patients. The funds raised through the generosity of these and similar sources benefit the Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund. The Fund, a service of NMMC, is a nonprofit venture that provides support services to families from the St. John Valley who dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The fund provides financial assistance for travel and lodging of family members so they may accompany the cancer patient when treatment away from the St. John Valley is necessary. Last year, out of the generosity of organizations such as the ALA and TD Bank, forty local families received support in the amount of nearly $88,000. Coming up on August 21, one of the Paradis Fund’s largest fundraisers is the Tour de la Vallee. Daigle said, “We depend heavily on the proceeds from this event to assist families in need of support. The Tour is a great event and we encourage members of the community to participate by walking, running, biking, volunteering or providing sponsorship.” Visit www.paradiscancerfund.org to register for the event or to make a donation.
To learn more about NMMC’s many services, to make a donation or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit www.nmmc.org and Like us on Facebook!