About September 21

Why the day September 21?

Why did we pick September 21? When we first introduced FACE, it was at the International Extrication Competition held in Burlington, Ontario during the week of September 21, 2006. We need a day to call our own so everyone will know on this day that firefighters from around the globe are standing together to fight a deadly disease.

On September 21 each year, firefighters will know that the $5 they donated to FACE will be used for research into the cancers that specifically afflict our firefighters. They will know when they hear of a fellow firefighter whose outlook on life was grim but now has a fighting chance, thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research. They will know that when many of our firefighters no longer are stricken with cancer due to prevention and education, it is because FACE is helping prevent cancer before it has a chance to start.

They will know that their donation is for their future, a future without cancer. They will know that when we help ourselves, we help others … and that's what firefighters do best -- help others. They will know that all the money will be used by the top research facilities and hospitals that will help in our cause. Princess Margaret Hospital is among these, and one of the top five research facilities in the world. This all happens when every firefighter gives just $5 each year, while standing together in a united front. That's why we needed a day and FACE debuted on September 21, so it was the logical choice.

Also, choosing one particular day to call our own enables us to collect money throughout the year and makes it easier to estimate how much we'll be able to donate in one big cheque to research. Some people think they can only donate on this day. It would be impossible to get everyone to do this, which is why we collect throughout the year. Shortly after September 21, we will post on our web site how much we collected and will be donating for research and to whom. When the September date passes, we start all over again, still donating until the end of the year, before preparing for the next year.

When September 21 comes around every year, you should know that by donating, you are all a part of the cure for cancer.