The Canadian Cancer Society

Company Overview

The Canadian Cancer Society is a private non-profit organization, funded by donations from the public and money raised through fundraising activities. The organization focuses on funding research on all types of cancer, offering comprehensive and credible information on cancer, risk reduction and treatment. The Society is also committed to providing support for people living with cancer, family members and friends.

The Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society is divided into eight regional offices, which offer administrative support to 38 community offices throughout the province. The organization also has branches located in smaller communities, which are run entirely by volunteers with support from their local unit offices.

Business Challenge

The Canadian Cancer Society relies on its internet service to provide access to the Peer Support Online Database for the other Divisions of the Society, and in turn, those Divisions use the information to facilitate the Peer Support program.

As part of the Society's commitment to providing support to people living with cancer, survivors, family and friends, an online peer support program matches people living with cancer to a survivor or caregiver who most closely resembles their individual experience. Volunteers and people living with cancer then connect and correspond online often building lasting relationships.

Solution & Business Benefits

The Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society came to Cogeco Data Services because of the positive past experience and the excellent customer service they had received.

After learning more about their needs, Cogeco Data Services helped to develop a cost-effective solution that would meet the Society's needs efficiently and reliably. This solution allows the Society to:

• Provide internet access for all offices
• Provide egress to the Citrix portals for "work from home staff" and after-hours access for all staff
• Provide access to Peer Support Database for all Divisions of the Canadian Cancer Society with the exception of the Ontario offices
• Provide online access to email for all staff
• Provide VPN access to facilities within the PEI Division

The Society felt they were getting excellent value as Cogeco Data Services was able to provide their solution for between fifteen and twenty per cent less than the price major competitors were quoting. Value is important to the Society as keeping operating and administrative costs low is especially important in the not-for-profit sector.

"Cogeco Data Services provided us with exactly what we needed at a competitive price while showcasing their commitment to truly seamless customer service", said Information Technology Director, Gerry Holmes.