Each year at Congress, the Foundation recognizes Chapters that have made tremendous strides during the past year as well as individuals who have worked tirelessly and inconspicuously while contributed immensely to the field of inflammatory bowel disease.

This past year the Vancouver Chapter had an inspirational leader in Marcie Ellison. Marcie’s professionalism, compassion and energetic drive energized the team. The Vancouver Chapter believes everyone is an expert in something and takes every volunteer’s expertise and transforms it into success. Helen Keller said, “we can do anything we want if we stick to it long enough.” This group wants and believes that we will find a cure, and they are committed and determined to finishing the job.

Shown here are: (L-R) Carolle Anderson (Regional Director, Alberta/Nunavut/NWT), Meg Shepard, Calgary Chapter delegate and Brad Zerr ( National Vice President, Alberta/Nunavut/NWT).

In ten years, its Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon revenues have soared from $25,000 to $85,000, while expenses have increased by a mere $1,000. That success came through one on one positive communication, friendly welcomes to newcomers and sincere appreciation for long-time pledge earners. The great relationships the Chapter shares with its sponsors has enabled its annual golf tournament to consistently cross the $100,000 mark – with this year’s net revenue being $130,000. 

What is the magic ingredient within this Chapter that has made so much possible?  It is its volunteers. They embody the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Calgary Chapter’s volunteers’ passion and endeavours uplift our spirit.  By giving freely of their time, ideas and skills today, we can hope for a tomorrow free of pain and suffering.

Fraser Valley East Chapter won the award for Outstanding Chapter Award for Cities (population 100,000 - 499,999). This Chapter was originally formed and headed up by our now National Vice-President (BC and Yukon) Michael Quigley, and comprises a group of very hard working individuals. Shown here are: (L-R) Michael Quigley (National Vice President, BC/Yukon), Nina Watt, Fraser Valley East Chapter delegate and Shona Brown (Regional Director, BC/Yukon).

For this group, it is never “if” we find a cure. It is always “when” we find a cure. They combine passion with commitment. If they run an extra fundraiser, it is because they want to push us closer to finding the cure, and their education events are based on the needs of their team and communities. Besides holding their two regular education events each year, they also organize informative meetings on a specialized subject every couple of months. From stress management to Tai Chi this group always has something happening.

This Chapter believes in the personal touch: if someone calls and has been recently diagnosed, they hand deliver a welcome package and the person is invited to their next meeting where they are warmly welcomed and encouraged to get involved.

The Sault Ste. Marie Chapter wins the Outstanding Chapter Award for Communities (population under 100,000). Its volunteers are dedicated and motivated to find the cure for IBD and promote awareness of the condition to support IBD patients in the community. Shown here are: (L-R) Lisa Baillie (National Vice President, Ontario), Daniel McCaig, Windsor Chapter delegate and Marc Ralsky (Regional Director, Ontario).

This Chapter has developed strong relationships with local health professionals including gastroenterologists, surgeons, pharmacists and registered dieticians, leading to greatly varied and informative education events. This year they supported the Get Gutsy Campaign and helped put together an Open House and information session.

Finkelstein Award

After being diagnosed with IBD 26 years ago, Diane Belanger became an active member of the CCFC and has been one of its most effective and dedicated volunteers ever since! Leading a small group of committed volunteers, Diane has made the Timmins Affiliate one of the highest revenue-generating cities in Northern Ontario. For the past 12 years, she has coordinated the annual M&M Charity BBQ Day in Timmins. And thanks in part to her efforts, this year’s eighth annual Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon exceeded its projected goal once again, raising more than $12,000 from approximately 80 participants. Pictured here with Marilyn Finkelstein (right) is Diane Belanger, winner of the 2006 Finkelstein Award.

Diane has raised thousands of dollars every year through bi-monthly bingos for the past six years and for the past four years, has added an annual hockey game to her list of CCFC fundraisers. In addition to these, Diane also organizes regular education events that usually attract more than 70 people – no small feat in such a small community. She continues to promote awareness and information sessions when possible during the Affiliate’s monthly meetings. Thanks to Diane's incredible efforts, the Timmins Affiliate raises more than $30,000 annually for medical research. We are proud and honoured to have Diane within the CCFC family.

“They are the most modest, humble and dedicated couple I know,” says Regional Director, Julie Bowering, and many of their fellow volunteers feel much the same.  Between the two of them, they have been involved for several years on a Chapter, regional and national level in too many capacities to mention. President, Vice-President, Treasurer, volunteer recruiter, Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon Coordinator, M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day Coordinator, and National VP are but a few, but the list of accomplishments goes on.

We now have coin boxes in several pharmacies across the province as a direct result of a unprecedented coin box “blitz” they did several ago when they contacted fellow pharmacists to support this program. They are responsible for much of their Chapter’s success. As a family, they raise an enormous chunk of Heel ‘n’ Wheel funds each and every year. (An event that has grown from $5,000 to $32,000 since 1997.) They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave this event and then of course have a BBQ at their home for volunteers post-event! They have recruited teams and donated prizes for the Chapter golf tournament - an event that has raised close to $66,000 over the past four years.

Their pharmacy is often called “CCFC Central”. Because anything and everything the Chapter could possibly have is stored there. They have been the Chapter “backbone in the background” for several years now. They believe in whatever it takes to takes to find the cure, and have never felt the need for any kind of recognition, reward or award. This is exactly why Eastern Avalon Chapter volunteers Ken and Louise so richly deserve the 2006 Unsung Hero Award!