Warming hearts and spirits

Pocket hugs. Stress balls. Playing cards. Note pads and pens.

Just everyday items that offer comfort, distraction and support during confusing, concerning and complicated times in people’s lives. These were just some of the goodies that filled gifts bags for patients receiving care at St. Joseph’s Breast Care Centre.

And they were donated thanks to the generosity of local business WSC Lighting Systems.

On May 29, the whole team from WSC, as well as representatives from Acuity Brand Lighting, one of their partners descended upon the Livingston Lounge in St. Joseph’s Hospital with boxes full of treats to create the special pink tote bags. They also made a presentation of a $5,000 donation to the care team.

But that’s not all. Owners Scott and Steve Wharton were so inspired by the actions of their staff, and the commitment of St. Joseph’s care team, that they decided to match the donation for a total cash donation of $10,000.

Altruism at its best.

Humble roots and humble ways

WSC Lighting Systems has been in business for 45 years, where they work as lighting sales representatives and consultants. The company was founded by Linda and Dennis Wharton, which they started in the basement of their home.

Now retired, the Wharton’s sons, Scott and Steve, are partners in operating the business. One of Southwestern Ontario’s most established lighting sales agencies, the staff team has grown to 33 people.

The Whartons and their Vice President Katrina Harvey have a strong connection to the Breast Care Centre, as a result of personal health experiences.

Linda Wharton (Scott and Steve’s mother) was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. Her cancer was caught early at St. Joseph’s thanks to a routine mammogram and was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation.

Harvey’s sister was diagnosed with stage-3 cancer 12 years ago. She underwent aggressive treatment including several surgeries all performed at St. Joseph’s. Together the sisters also attended St. Joseph’s Bra Day Events engaging other patients and meeting the care providers from the Breast Care Centre.

These experiences inspired the company to direct their community support this year to the Breast Care Centre.

Modest, hardworking and community focused, they wanted to do something that would have a direct and personal impact on people.

While planning, Harvey recalled her sister receiving a chemotherapy bag chock full of treats and support items during her treatment, and it proved to be a perfect option for the WSC team to create for patients at the Breast Care Centre.

“I was with my sister when she was receiving treatment,” says Harvey. “I had a chance to experience just how important little things like a note pad and pen can be when you are receiving information during a traumatic time in your life.”

With the addition of crossword booklets, inspirational messages, short novels and much more, the plan for the bags began to take shape.

And thanks to winning a competition amongst lighting agencies hosted by their partner Acuity Brands earlier in the year, WSC was also proud to add a $5,000 donation to the cause.

The afternoon session filling gifts bags was topped off by a visit from members of the Breast Care Team and a tour of the facilities.

But a real highlight for the team came when Linda opened up about her breast cancer experience. Not known for sharing her personal details, it was a meaningful moment that brought the act of creating the gift bags and the donation full circle.

It was a special afternoon that defined what it means to be a community member. The spirit and emotions generated throughout the event lingered with the team for a few weeks, and they ended up creating an additional 50 bags for breast care patients.

“We have a staff who works incredibly hard and are dedicated, but we believe that each one of us can always make the time to give back to the community,” says Scott Wharton. “It may not always be easy, but in the end you learn more about what’s going on in your community and you can do some good for someone else.”