We understand that the unexpected loss of a child to cancer is devastating for families. During this time of great loss and grief, these families also have to face another hurdle — covering the cost of their child’s final arrangements. 

For many families, the long-term financial burden of caring for their child with cancer is overwhelming and some simply do not have any resources left to provide a burial. Many are also unable to benefit from any of Canada’s social assistance or support programs.

About the Program:

Childhood Cancer Canada’s Benevolent Fund is here to step in and help families in their time of need. This program provides financial assistance to help a family with the costs of their child’s funeral or memorial service.

CCC is one of the few options available in the country which provides childhood cancer families with financial assistance in this way. The program aims to ease financial stress, so that families can plan their child’s funeral with dignity and honour them in a way that is meaningful to them. 

Goals of the Benevolent Fund:

To prevent families from further accumulating debt from ongoing costs related to their child’s treatment and care, we provide bereaved families with up to $1,000 towards covering the cost of their child’s memorial service. 

Since the programs’ inception in 2011, more than 578 families have accessed the fund. In 2022, thanks to a generous gift from Kindred Foundation, the fund amount increased to $1,500 to further support bereaved families.

The Benevolent Fund is also funded by TD Underwriters of Hope and the generosity of Foundation donors.

How to Apply:

All requests for support must be submitted by the child’s nurse or social worker. We are unable to accept applications directly from families or those acting on their behalf that are not part of the child’s medical team. We appreciate the pre-selection done by health care providers to ensure that only requests for families in critical financial need are submitted.

• The application form must be filled out in its entirety and submitted or emailed.
• The application is not complete until an invoice from the funeral service provider is received. Invoices must be made out to the family; an invoice made out to Childhood Cancer Canada will not be accepted.
• Once a request for support has been approved, up to $1,500 will be paid towards the balance. 
• The Foundation will complete the request by sending a cheque to the funeral service provider accompanied by a sympathy card to the family.