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Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation (Wellspring) is a Canadian charity that provides non-medical supportive care services for individuals living with cancer, their caregivers, and their families.[1][2]
 | |
| Founded | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization based in Canada |
| Purpose | "Helping people live better with cancer." |
| Legal status | Active |
| Region served | Canada |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Website | https://wellspring.ca/ |
History
editWellspring was founded in 1992 in Toronto, Ontario, by Anne Armstrong Gibson, a cancer patient who sought to address the emotional and practical needs of individuals facing cancer.[3] With support from Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, then CEO of Princess Margaret Hospital, the first Wellspring centre was opened in a coach house on Wellesley Street East.[3] Although Gibson died in 1995, the foundation continued to expand across Canada.[3]
In 1999, a second ___location opened at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Since then, the organization has expanded to multiple locations in Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, as well as through online programming.[4]
Programs and services
editWellspring delivers non-clinical supportive care for cancer patients and caregivers. It offers a variety of evidence-based programs, delivered by qualified professionals, including social workers, psychotherapists, physiotherapists, art therapists, and dietitians. Services include peer support, support groups, counselling, educational workshops, cancer-specific exercise classes, financial navigation, return-to-work support, and symptom management support.[1]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wellspring expanded its virtual programming through the launch of a dedicated Virtual Centre, enabling access across Canada, including remote and underserved regions.[4]
Organizational structure
editWellspring Cancer Support Foundation operates as the governing entity for centres in the Greater Toronto Area, overseeing intellectual property and program standards. Affiliate organizations—each a separate legally incorporated charity—operate in other regions while adhering to shared quality, branding, and evidence-based program standards.[1]
Locations
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Dreesen, Stefan (2025-05-09). "Cancer care enhances patient and caregiver well-being". Hospital News. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Cancer centre gives patients help, hope". The Globe and Mail. 2000-01-27. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ a b c Picard, André (2000-01-27). "Cancer centre gives patients help, hope". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ a b "TD and Wellspring launch new Virtual Centre for Cancer Support". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ Leitao, Ramona (2025-05-26). "Local cancer support volunteers celebrated for decades of dedication". Oakville News. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ Stalker, Amy (2016-08-03). "Calgary businessman inspired by Wellspring to help cancer patients". CTVNews. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Wellspring Chinguacousy opens its doors". Brampton Guardian. 2008-04-13. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Wellspring cancer support agency expands programs to two London neighbourhoods". The London Free Press. 2019-04-24. Archived from the original on 2019-04-26. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Home donated by Moncton family to become centre for people with cancer". CBC News. November 7, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2025.
- ^ Lansbergen, Bernard (2023-01-11). "How a dying promise turned into 'the house that Niagara built'". Niagara-on-the-Lake Local. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ Croteau, Jill (May 15, 2019). "New cancer support centre soon to be opened in southeast Calgary". Global News. Retrieved 2025-08-27.