Hamilton, ON – On Tuesday, the Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) celebrated $298,600 in funding they received through two Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grants they received from the Ontario Government, representing a major milestone in strengthening cancer care in the Hamilton community.

“Our Ontario government is proud to support the Cancer Assistance Program as it continues to expand its impact across Hamilton,” said Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. “Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s $198,600 investment, CAP will be able to reach more volunteers and donors, helping ensure that even more residents facing cancer can access compassionate care and practical support. This funding will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout our community by connecting them with the services and resources they need during treatment.”

Through a $198,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded in May 2023, OTF supported the creation of CAP’s Marketing & Community Engagement Manager role, helping the organization expand awareness, strengthen community connections and increase access to vital services for people facing cancer.

“This investment allowed us to build a stronger foundation,” said Debbie Logel Butler. “It helped us to reach more people, engage more volunteers and donors and ultimately ensure that more individuals in our community could access the support they need during cancer treatment.”

In addition to this success, CAP also received a $100,000 Seed grant in September 2024 to develop a proprietary route planning software aimed at improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of CAP’s Drive Program. Developed in partnership with Mohawk College and MEDIC Digital Health, the new platform will help schedule the more than 100 free drives CAP volunteers provide to cancer patients each day.

In 2025, CAP provided 17,764 rides to medical appointments while also delivering essential supplies and offering practical, compassionate support to individuals and families affected by cancer across Hamilton and surrounding communities.

“The support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in helping us grow and adapt to the evolving needs of our community,” added Rick Denyes, CAP Board President. “We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”

The Cancer Assistance Program is a community-based, not-for-profit organization providing free practical support services for individuals and families affected by cancer in Hamilton and surrounding communities for 32 years.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.