Annual Report 2006

81
Speech written by the Chairman of the Israel Cancer Association,
Prof. Robinson, for the Evening in Honor of
ICA's Veteran Volunteers
Volunteer activity is defined as "gratuitous assistance" that is provided to the weaker
strata of the population such as: the elderly, children, the ill, etc. The state's decreased
participation in the supply of vital services to its citizens has led to an increasing need for
the intervention of many volunteers in different walks of life, and their role has become
increasingly crucial in Israeli society.
You, dear ICA volunteers, who are spread out in over 70 branches throughout Israel, constantly
provide strength to cancer patients in their daily struggle with the disease. You are
to be admired for your extensive and noteworthy longtime endeavors, for your personal
and emotional support that you have provided to cancer patients and their families, and
for being ICA's loyal partners in acting on behalf of cancer patients.
This special event which was held today is dedicated to all of
you, cherished and dedicated volunteers, who have devoted
the best of your years to advancing the goals of the ICA, and
it is a token of appreciation for your tremendous involvement
throughout all these years. Your personal contribution is invaluable.
Thanks to your broad based and significant activity,
the ICA has succeeded in advancing toward the fulfillment of
its goals, in leading new initiatives for the benefit of cancer patients and in becoming the
leading organization in Israel working on behalf of cancer patients.
Many a time, we underestimate the value of a smile, a kind word, or a small gesture of
caring for one's fellow person. From your perspective, this is a true way of life. Each and
every one of you symbolizes a role model of a lifestyle based on mutual assistance, caring,
understanding, warmth and human compassion.
The strength of giving outweighs that of being on the receiving end. By virtue of giving, we
create life. In your contribution to the ICA over the years, you have helped provide many
patients with special moments that will remain etched in their memories forever.
There is no doubt that thanks to your support in our activities,
we have reaped the fruits of our efforts. I commend
you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart and I am
confident that together we will improve patients' quality
of life, for the benefit of the community, with hope for a
brighter future in which we will succeed in eradicating
cancer diseases.