Pat Yuill, a cancer survivor, has created 'The Ken & Pat Yuill Family Fund' with the Community Foundation of Portage & District, directing its annual interest to Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS). 

Sharilyn Knox, CPCS's Executive Director, appreciates the collaborative effort, emphasizing the impact of community generosity on sustaining essential programs. 

"We are always thrilled when we see funds that are created through the Community Foundation that benefits Central Plains," Knox explains. "It helps with our programming and makes sure that we have regular funds coming in, but I really love seeing when two organizations in our community, the Community Foundation and Central Plains Cancer Services can both benefit from a family's generosity and keep things going for the future."

Yuill co-founded Central Plains Cancer Care (later renamed to Central Plains Cancer Services) in 1998 after the closure of the Canadian Cancer Society Portage office. The fund, initiated in the spirit of community support, ensures ongoing assistance for those facing challenging times. 

"I'm a cancer survivor. I was a member of the Cancer Support Group in Portage. I have been involved with cancer care and I felt it was a very worthy cause and they're doing great work," Yuill shares. 

Operating on a simple principle, the fund's interest fuels yearly contributions to CPCS, creating a perpetual source of support. The community-driven approach emphasizes that every donation, regardless of the amount, stays within the community.