A mother is forced to take a leave of absence from work so she can support her son through chemotherapy. A family, overwhelmed by medical bills, struggles to pay for a young daughter’s funeral. These are the all-too-real situations that families of children battling cancer face. Heroes for Children, the organization selected as the 2016 ORIX Foundation holiday campaign beneficiary, exists to provide compassionate support during these difficult times.
The annual holiday fundraising campaign started in 2009 with a contribution to the North Texas Food Bank. Each year since, ORIX employees vote on a recipient and raise funds throughout the holiday season. The 2016 holiday drive culminated in ORIX USA’s annual holiday party, where employees presented a check for $163,000 to Heroes for Children. Monies will further the organization’s mission to provide financial and social assistance to families with a child battling cancer.
“The money raised by ORIX employees will provide support for over 217 families who are struggling to make ends meet due to their children’s battle with cancer,” said Larissa Linton, Executive Director and Co-founder of Heroes for Children. “We are so thankful for the incredible employees of ORIX USA.”
Everyday expenses pile up quickly when parents take off work to be with their children in the hospital or during treatment. Social workers refer families in need to receive immediate and direct assistance from Heroes for Children. The organization has provided more than $5.5 million families to 4,500 families since its inception. Its 2016 end of year fundraising goal was $100,000 to serve over 130 additional families. On average, Heroes for Children provides about $750 to each family it serves.
“The ORIX Foundation holiday fundraising drive is a very special way to end the year,” said Josh Mayfield, ORIX Foundation board president and head of ORIX Energy Capital. “It truly warms our hearts to know that we can provide some relief to families through the critical work of Heroes for Children.”
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