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Century-old tradition supports those with lung disease

Canadians have been using the holiday-themed seals on their mail to raise awareness of lung disease.
14724216_web1_BCLA-Director-Kathy-Wylie
BC Lung Association Volunteer Director Kathy Wylie urges Vernon residents to donate generously to the Christmas Seals campaign and show support for healthy lungs all year round. (Submitted)

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you can support the fight against lung disease by playing a part in a long-held tradition, the Lung Association’s annual Christmas Seal campaign.

For more than 100 years, Canadians have been using the holiday-themed seals on their mail in order to both raise awareness of, and funds for, lung disease.

Christmas Seals campaign proceeds were initially used to fight tuberculosis. Sadly, the threat of lung disease remains ever-prevalent today. One in five British Columbians struggles with breathing problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. And that number continues to grow.

“Christmas Seals are a very visible way of showing that people care about the continuing fight against lung disease and represent a symbol of hope,” says Kathy Wylie, Volunteer BC Lung Association Director for Vernon.

“Our biggest fundraising campaign of the year, we urge people to give what they can to help us maintain vital lung health research, patient support and public advocacy programs. Every donation, no matter how large or small, makes a difference,” says Wylie.

Those wishing to make a donation can do so by calling 604.731.5864 or toll-free 1.800.665.5864 outside the Lower Mainland. Supporters can also visit www.bc.lung.ca for more information or to donate online.

Suggested photo caption: BC Lung Association Volunteer Director Kathy Wylie urges Vernon residents to donate generously to the Christmas Seals campaign and show support for healthy lungs all year round.