HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre

What HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre does

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre is a Canadian registered charity (CRA #898994 3857 RR 0001) founded in 1995, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, that delivers free, community-based cancer support services to individuals and families affected by cancer. Its service portfolio spans cancer care counselling (delivered via Microsoft Teams or telephone), a wig and head-cover boutique, free post-mastectomy camisoles (in partnership with Amoena), La Roche-Posay skincare kits, and a layered program of wellness offerings including gentle exercise (Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation), relaxation therapies (Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Massage Therapy via Conestoga College), Art Therapy, Support Groups, and Chemo Brain workshops. The organization serves a defined catchment of Waterloo, Wellington, Perth, Grey, and Bruce Counties plus Indigenous communities (Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas Anwasah Unceded First Nation), and extended nationally during COVID-19 via Zoom-based virtual programming.

The technology stack is modest and operationally oriented: Zoom for virtual program delivery, Microsoft Teams for one-on-one counselling, Microsoft Outlook/booking systems for member registration, and Mailchimp for newsletters. Three proprietary digital features are highlighted — an online program registration and booking system, a post-mastectomy camisole request form with contactless delivery, and a digital member database/resource library — none of which represent technical differentiation. The platform is built on standard third-party SaaS tools rather than proprietary IP.

The business model is a non-profit donation-and-grant model. All programs are provided free of charge to members. Revenue (not publicly disclosed) is generated from individual donations (via website and CanadaHelps), corporate sponsorships (CIBC, Sun Life, Gore Mutual, Activia, Community Foundations of Canada), major donor gifts (Dan & Judy Kroetsch, DC & SF Family Fund), and fundraising events such as the annual Pars 'N Stars 24-hour golf challenge. The 16-person staff is supported by a volunteer program and a network of institutional partners, most notably Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, University of Waterloo (UW Well-Fit), Conestoga College, and Indigenous health organizations. A 2021 fire caused over $1M in damages to the prior Waterloo location; the organization relocated to St. Matthew's Church in February 2024 and refreshed its brand identity in 2026.

Name

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre

Legal name

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre

Website

https://hopespring.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1995 that provides free, community-based cancer support services — counselling, exercise programs, wigs, post-mastectomy camisoles, and relaxation therapies — to individuals and families across Waterloo Region, Wellington, Perth, Grey, Bruce Counties, and Indigenous communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Community Health, Prevention & Health Education (BPAGACAC)

Keywords

• Cancer support services
• Psychosocial oncology programs
• Free wellness therapies
• Cancer caregiver support
• Community health nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Kitchener

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: HopeSpring operates as a registered charitable organization (Charitable Number: 898994 3857 RR 0001) relying entirely on the generosity of local donors and community supporters to sustain daily operations and programs. Donations are accepted through the website, CanadaHelps platform, and in-kind physical donations.
2. Fundraising Events: The organization raises funds through annual events such as the Pars 'N Stars 24-hour golf challenge, presented in partnership with Grand River Financial Solutions and Badlands Golf. The event benefits multiple local charities including HopeSpring.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

HopeSpring is a community-based charitable organization that delivers a comprehensive suite of always-free cancer support services to individuals and families affected by cancer. Core offerings include one-on-one cancer care counselling (virtual or by phone), wig and headcover fittings, free post-mastectomy camisoles, gentle exercise classes (yoga, tai chi, qi gong, meditation), relaxation therapies (massage, therapeutic touch, reiki), art therapy, and facilitated peer support groups. All programs are funded by community donations and delivered across in-person, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and telephone channels.

Product overview

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre is a community-based charitable organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of always-free support services for individuals and families impacted by cancer. The organization operates as a unified support services center rather than a technology product company. The core service offerings include Cancer Care Counselling (virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams), a Wig and Headcover Boutique (in-person and online consultations), Post-Mastectomy Camisoles (in partnership with Amoena), and La Roche-Posay Skincare Kits. The wellness program portfolio encompasses gentle exercise programs (Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation), relaxation therapies (Massage Therapy via Conestoga College partnership, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki), and creative support (Art Therapy). Specialized support includes Support Groups (women's, caregiver's, teen), Chemo Brain workshops, and partnership programs with organizations like UW Well-Fit, Look Good Feel Better, and AskEllyn. All programs and services are provided free of charge to members, funded entirely by community donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cancer Care Counselling Free cancer care counselling offering guidance and strategies to navigate challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis; available to individuals and families and held virtually via Microsoft Teams or by telephone.
• Wigs, Head-Covers and Fabric Caps Free wigs and head coverings for individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments, including personalized in-person appointments or online consultations via Microsoft Teams to find the right style, fit, and comfort.
• Post-Mastectomy Camisoles Free post-mastectomy camisoles offering comfort, support, and confidence during recovery after breast cancer surgery, offered in partnership with Amoena with online ordering and home delivery or pickup.
• La Roche-Posay Skincare Kits Free La Roche-Posay skincare kits provided to members as part of supportive care services for individuals affected by cancer.
• Yoga Program Gentle yoga programs combining movements, breathing, stretching, body poses and meditation practice to help exercise control over physical and emotional well-being, including Gentle Yoga for symptom management and Yoga for cancer recovery.
• Tai Chi Program Mind-body practice originating from ancient Chinese martial arts involving gentle, flowing movements combined with deep breathing and meditation to promote emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
• Qi Gong Program Traditional Chinese system of health preservation combining movement, meditation and breathing exercises to promote emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
• Meditation Program Mindfulness meditation exercises program that encourages practicing meditation at home as a daily routine, offered free to cancer patients and caregivers.
• Massage Therapy Hands-on therapeutic massage promoting relaxation, alleviating muscle tension, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being, offered in partnership with Conestoga College's Doon Campus.
• Therapeutic Touch Healing technique designed to help restore the body's natural and healthy flow of energy, delivered by an experienced practitioner.
• Reiki Ancient healing technique where healing energy is channelled from practitioner to individual to enhance energy and reduce stress, pain, and fatigue, offered with certified practitioners.
• Art Therapy Weekly art therapy sessions at the Kitchener headquarters led by facilitator Amy, providing a nurturing environment to explore feelings, reduce stress, and promote well-being through creative expression.
• Chemo Brain Workshop Coping workshop designed to help individuals manage cognitive changes commonly experienced during and after cancer treatment.
• Support Groups Facilitated peer support groups including Women's Morning Support Group, Women's Evening Support Group, Caregiver's Support Group, and Teen Self-Care & Support Group for ages 12-18.
• Partnership Programs Collaborative programs delivered with community partners including the UW Well-Fit cancer exercise program, Look Good Feel Better, Prostate Cancer Support Group Waterloo-Wellington, AskEllyn AI support platform, OPACC, Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, and Indigenous health organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free support for all - all programs, services, and products provided at no cost to members
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Woolwich TownshipminorOthersCommunity partner supporting HopeSpring's mission to provide cancer support in Waterloo Region.
• Canadian Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor humanitarian organization providing support to HopeSpring as part of their trusted partner network for community cancer care.
• City of WaterloominorOthersMunicipal government partner supporting community cancer support services.
• Artline SaloncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKitchener-based salon providing wig cutting, customization, and head shaving services for HopeSpring members experiencing cancer-related hair loss. Referenced by members as a valued community partner.
• Conestoga CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner providing student placements for HopeSpring and hosting massage therapy program at Doon Campus (TSB Building) with free sessions for cancer community.
• University of WaterloocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUW Well-Fit program provides evidence-based exercise programs for individuals currently or previously undergoing cancer treatment. HopeSpring refers members and collaborates on cancer exercise programming.
• Look Good Feel BettercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational charitable program providing psychosocial support services and practical support programs for Canadians facing cancer, particularly for appearance-related effects.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group Waterloo-WellingtoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer-based non-profit support group run by prostate cancer survivors, partnered with HopeSpring to serve men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the region.
• AskEllynminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI-powered conversational platform for those on their breast cancer journey and their loved ones, providing wisdom, support and hope during their cancer journey.
• OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegistered charity offering in-hospital and virtual peer-to-peer parent support, community-based parent support groups, and financial support for families of children with cancer.
• Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization providing online support programs and services to young adults (ages 18-39) affected by cancer throughout Canada.
• Grand River Regional Cancer CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional cancer care center serving Waterloo Wellington area, partnered with HopeSpring for comprehensive cancer support services.
• Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous health organization providing culturally appropriate healthcare services, partnered with HopeSpring to serve Indigenous communities affected by cancer.
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMétis government and health services organization, partnered with HopeSpring to provide cancer support to Métis communities.
• Interfaith Counselling CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit counselling organization in New Hamburg that can accommodate in-person cancer care counselling sessions for HopeSpring members as an alternative to virtual appointments.
• AmoenacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMedical apparel manufacturer providing post-mastectomy camisoles to HopeSpring for distribution to members free of charge. HopeSpring offers these products in partnership with Amoena.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Gilda's Club Greater Toronto: Gilda's Club Greater Toronto is a Canadian affiliate of the Gilda's Club network providing free cancer support including support groups, educational workshops, and social activities. It serves a similar oncology-support mission with a community-based, free-service model comparable to HopeSpring's.
• Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre: Hearth Place is a community-based cancer support center in Durham Region, Ontario, providing free support programs, counselling, and wellness services to cancer patients and families. It mirrors HopeSpring's regional, community-based, free-service model and is one of the closest geographic and operational analogs.
• Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC): YACC is a Canadian national organization providing online and in-person support programs for young adults (ages 18-39) affected by cancer. It is listed as a HopeSpring partner and shares the cancer-support mission with a focus on a specific demographic segment.
• Look Good Feel Better: Look Good Feel Better is a Canadian charitable program providing appearance-related support and workshops for women facing cancer. Listed as a HopeSpring partner, it offers directly comparable appearance-related support services including wigs and skincare guidance.
• Wellspring Niagara: Wellspring Niagara is a regional Wellspring affiliate serving the Niagara Region of Ontario with free cancer support services. It is a direct operational peer with an identical service model and modest regional scope similar to HopeSpring's Waterloo Region footprint.
• Wellspring: Wellspring is a Canadian non-profit network of cancer support centers offering free counselling, exercise programs, and educational workshops to cancer patients and families. It is the closest direct peer to HopeSpring, operating multiple regional locations with a similar mission, free service model, and program portfolio.
• The Healing Journey: The Healing Journey is a Canadian non-profit offering supportive cancer care programs based on a structured psycho-educational model. It is a direct peer in cancer psychosocial support, though with a more standardized program curriculum compared to HopeSpring's broader service mix.
• OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer): OPACC is a registered Ontario charity offering in-hospital and virtual peer-to-peer parent support and community-based support groups for families of children with cancer. It is a HopeSpring partner and shares the cancer-support mission with a focus on families and pediatric cancer.
• Rethink Breast Cancer: Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity focused on supporting young women with breast cancer through education, resources, and community programs. It is comparable to HopeSpring in mission and Canadian charitable structure, with a more focused disease-and-demographic mandate.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Cancer Society: The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national voluntary health organization in Canada funding cancer research, information services, and patient support. It overlaps with HopeSpring's mission but operates at a much larger national scale with broader fundraising and advocacy scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HopeSpringCSC
• Facebookfacebook.com/HopeSpringCancerSupportCentre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hopespring-cancer-support-centre
• Instagraminstagram.com/hope_spring/?hl=en
• Pinterestca.pinterest.com/Hope__Spring

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre