History

History

History

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation was founded in Toronto in 1992 by Anne Armstrong Gibson, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1988. Along with all her other fears about treatment, survival and the future of her husband and two young children, Anne experienced something more, an overwhelming sense of isolation. She quickly realized that this was an all-too-common experience among cancer patients and became determined to fill the void.

With the help and encouragement from some of the leading experts in the field of oncology, Anne worked with family, friends and supporters to establish Wellspring, a charity offering psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and informational support to individuals and families living with cancer.  Anne’s vision for Wellspring was to create a Canada-wide network of community-based centres that would provide people with the tools they required to cope with cancer. A vision that has since come to fruition and continues to grow to this day.

Watch the Anne Armstrong Gibson Tribute

Key Dates

1988
Anne Armstrong Gibson is diagnosed with cancer. The idea of Wellspring is born and an advisory committee is established.
1991
Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation is registered as a non-profit organization.
1992
Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation's first centre, the Coach House, opens in Toronto, ON.
1995
Anne Armstrong Gibson passes away from cancer.
1999
Wellspring Westerkirk House opens in Toronto, ON.
2000
Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House opens in Oakville, ON.
2000
Wellspring's first affiliate organization opens in London, ON - Wellspring London.
2001
Wellspring's next affiliate organization opens in Niagara, ON - Wellspring Niagara.
2002
Wellspring Centre of Innovation is founded.
2007
Wellspring's first Alberta affiliate opens - Wellspring Calgary.
2008
A Wellspring affiliate organization is formed in Brampton, ON - Wellspring Chinguacousy.
2017
Another Alberta affiliate organization opens - Wellspring Edmonton.
2019
Wellspring starts to offer online programs, available across Canada.
2019
Wellspring Calgary and Wellspring Edmonton kick-off plans to expand their reach to rural Albertans.
2022
Wellspring Calgary and Wellspring Edmonton merge into a provincial-wide organization - Wellspring Alberta.
2022
Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation begins to offer programming within select Toronto hospitals.

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation

Wellspring is a registered charitable organization that relies entirely on donations from generous individuals, foundations, sponsors and corporations to sustain its programs and services. Wellspring receives no core government or hospital funding. The charitable registration number for Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation is 89272 8940 RR0001.

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation provides programs online and at locations in Toronto and Oakville (Greater Toronto Area), oversees the BMO Centre of Innovation, and conducts annual Mission Surveys and periodic System Performance Reviews with the Wellspring network. These System Performance Reviews have all affiliate organizations participate in regular and rigorous external evaluations to ensure all staff, volunteers and Program Leaders are fulfilling their commitments to the Wellspring brand in delivering high quality, evidence-informed programs and services for people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Donate Now

Why donate to Wellspring?

Your generosity improves the lives of those living with cancer.

Wellspring Cancer Support charges no fees and receives no core government or hospital funding. Programs and operations are made possible only through the generosity of donors like you.

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