Supporting Life Saving Cancer Research

Canadian Cancer Society

Canada

2026

The Canadian Cancer Society had seen success with virtual challenges in the past, but with diminishing returns. They knew it was time to move beyond Facebook and look at multiple channels.

When the Canadian Cancer Society’s first pilot with GYSS ‘half-worked and half didn’t’ - GYSS quickly turned that into valuable learnings. Their second challenge was hugely successful, and through a programme of events with GYSS, their income doubled within 1 year from $2 million to $5 million.

A break-through moment for the Canadian Cancer Society was when data started to flow into their own CRM, thanks to the new web based fundraising journey GYSS put in place. They were able to reach and nurture non-typical fundraisers.

GYSS were able to transfer insights and learnings from other markets and adapt them to Canada, designing challenges that worked in all four seasons.

“GYSS have been super flexible to work with. They have adapted to help us test new growth areas that fit with our internal processes and systems.

When our first challenge didn’t meet projections, it was the reasons why it didn’t work that made us want to continue working with GYSS. We have a really honest working relationship.

Our virtual challenge programme is one of the only places where we can test against different audience demographics.

One of the best things GYSS brings to the table is their expertise in acquisition. GYSS are an ads first agency and the data that GYSS can provide in real time helps make the most informed decisions to raise more income.”

Mike Stafford

Senior Manager, Third-party Fundraising and Partnerships

Canadian Cancer Society