Canadian Cancer Society Controversy
Background
The foundation for Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) was launched by Saskatchewan Media Association in 1929. It is officially formed in 1938, and the current President and CEO is Peter Goodhand. The Canadian Cancer Society’s vision is “Creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer”. The mission of CCS is “The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.” (“Our mission, vision and value”, 2011)
Situation Summary
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) released a report, “Cancer Society spends more on fundraising than research”, on July 6, 2011. By analyzing CCS’s financial statements, the CBC pointed out that the donations had increased significantly from 2000 to 2011. However, the percentage of money that CCS spent on cancer research had dropped to 22 percent in 2011 from 40 percent in 2000.
After the report being release, public speculation started to grow as well as online comments. It is clear that CCS need to respond on the report as soon as possible. Although the organization was asked for an on-camera interview, they rejected it, and responded through an email. In the email, CCS mentioned that cancer research is a part of their work, and they are responsible for doing everything that they can to support people living with cancer, and lower the risk of developing cancer (Bigus, 2011).
Statement of the Issue and Analysis
There are two main issues in the case: First, what are the concerns of CCS’s donors, volunteers, employees and public after watching the CBC report? Second, what is the best communication method that the CCS can make to solve the growing concerns of its stakeholders and public?
Obviously, people are wondering how much did CCS really spend on cancer control during the past decade. Here is the CCS’s Cancer Control Budget in year 2005 and 2011: (Source: Canadian
The foundation for Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) was launched by Saskatchewan Media Association in 1929. It is officially formed in 1938, and the current President and CEO is Peter Goodhand. The Canadian Cancer Society’s vision is “Creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer”. The mission of CCS is “The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.” (“Our mission, vision and value”, 2011)
Situation Summary
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) released a report, “Cancer Society spends more on fundraising than research”, on July 6, 2011. By analyzing CCS’s financial statements, the CBC pointed out that the donations had increased significantly from 2000 to 2011. However, the percentage of money that CCS spent on cancer research had dropped to 22 percent in 2011 from 40 percent in 2000.
After the report being release, public speculation started to grow as well as online comments. It is clear that CCS need to respond on the report as soon as possible. Although the organization was asked for an on-camera interview, they rejected it, and responded through an email. In the email, CCS mentioned that cancer research is a part of their work, and they are responsible for doing everything that they can to support people living with cancer, and lower the risk of developing cancer (Bigus, 2011).
Statement of the Issue and Analysis
There are two main issues in the case: First, what are the concerns of CCS’s donors, volunteers, employees and public after watching the CBC report? Second, what is the best communication method that the CCS can make to solve the growing concerns of its stakeholders and public?
Obviously, people are wondering how much did CCS really spend on cancer control during the past decade. Here is the CCS’s Cancer Control Budget in year 2005 and 2011: (Source: Canadian
References: Blumberg, M (November 7, 2011), In Globalphilanthropy.ca, CBC report on Canadian Cancer Society -thoughts on transparency, media coverage, + fundraising costs, Retrieved November 11, from http://www.globalphilanthropy.ca/index.php/blog/comments/cbc_report_on_canadian_cancer_society_-thoughts_on_transparency_media_cover/ Canadian Cancer Society (2011), Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.cancer.ca Our mission, vision and value (2011). Canadian Cancer Society, Retrieved November 12, 2011, from http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20us/CW-Mission.aspx?sc_lang=EN Bigus, P (October 17, 2011), Canadian Cancer Society: Fundraising Controversy Richard Ivey School of Business, 9B11M098