For people getting cancer treatment away from home, the holidays are full of warmth at CCS lodges.
5 min. read
The holidays can be difficult for people undergoing cancer treatment, but the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) lodges are a home away from home that provide safe, affordable and supportive places to stay.
Each year, guests at the Sobey Cancer Support Centre lodge in Halifax make their own ornaments to put on a tree, which stands by the reception desk. The ornaments are collected and remind staff and visitors of those who have found warmth and solace at the lodge, connecting current guests with those who have stayed in the past.
"When we decorate the tree, it gives us pause to think about the amazing clients who have stayed with us over the past few years,” says Carol-Ann Oster of the Halifax Lodge.
"Though the past years have been difficult with COVID and heightened anxiety, these activities really have helped bring people together in a joyous way,” she adds.
Each year, guests at the Sobey Cancer Support Centre lodge in Halifax make their own ornaments to put on a tree, which stands by the reception desk. The ornaments are collected and remind staff and visitors of those who have found warmth and solace at the lodge, connecting current guests with those who have stayed in the past.
"When we decorate the tree, it gives us pause to think about the amazing clients who have stayed with us over the past few years,” says Carol-Ann Oster of the Halifax Lodge.
"Though the past years have been difficult with COVID and heightened anxiety, these activities really have helped bring people together in a joyous way,” she adds.
Handmade tree decorations expressing gratitude from people who have stayed at the Sobey Cancer Support Centre lodge in Halifax
People staying at the Jacques-Cantin Lodge in Montreal during their cancer treatment decorate a “tree of hope” with staff and volunteers. Guests write down a wish and put it in a decorative ball to go on a tree, and the lodge team organizes a small musical show, cocktail bites and a special holiday dinner.
"CCS lodges are not just a place to stay, but a space where guests can find emotional support, camaraderie, and even moments of joy amidst hardship,” says Simmi Parhar of the Kordyban Lodge in Prince George, B.C.
Last year alone, 69,000 people stayed at a CCS lodge overnight, leaning on staff and volunteers to help them feel safe and supported while undergoing treatment.
"CCS lodges are not just a place to stay, but a space where guests can find emotional support, camaraderie, and even moments of joy amidst hardship,” says Simmi Parhar of the Kordyban Lodge in Prince George, B.C.
Last year alone, 69,000 people stayed at a CCS lodge overnight, leaning on staff and volunteers to help them feel safe and supported while undergoing treatment.
“It’s like being part of a family.”
Steve Bondu stayed at the CCS lodge in Montreal for several weeks during his radiation therapy. Donate to support people like Steve facing cancer.
Learn more about CCS’s accommodation services for people and their loved ones receiving treatment.