FOR THE PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS OF KIDS CANCER CARE FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA
WINTER 2009 Editor: Gail Corbett
Finding their voices
Camp & Community Outreach
S he was the voice of CBC’s Homestretch for
Sharon is volunteering her time as speech coach for this year’s spokeskids: Shawn Gille and Laura Sadler. She’s looking forward to the project: “I love working with kids because they say it like it is,” she says. “If they’re afraid, they’ll tell you they’re afraid. Then, you can get to work and find ways to help them deal with that fear.” Helping clients manage their fear around public speaking is a big part of what Sharon does. This may involve getting at their self-talk or their self-myths—the underlying forces that evoke strong emotions like fear. Her goal is to help clients get comfortable in their own skin, so
“If you meet people in their hearts, you can take them into their heads and…where you want them to go.”
Helen Tansey
years, interviewing thousands of people, from international celebrities and average Joes to displaced victims of natural and notso-natural disasters. Today, Sharon Edwards is using her voice in a whole new way. Distilling her skills as an awardwinning journalist, Sharon has developed a series of techniques to help people find their voice through effective communication and presentation skills. Her company is Voice of Influence and her clients include oil and gas executives, small business owners, not-for-profit groups and media. And, in the very near future, her list will include the KCCFA spokeskids.
they can be comfortable before an audience. Sharon does this by helping clients bridge what
they know in their heart with what they know in their head. “We live our lives between our head and our heart,” she says. “Powerful public speakers like Barack Obama know that if you meet people in their hearts, you can take them into their heads and eventually where you want them to go.” Sharon maintains that the key to coaching, interviewing or public speaking is to meet people where they’re at. And this is exactly where she plans to meet the spokeskids this spring during their training sessions. Sharon’s role will be one of coach, helping Shawn and Laura to frame things in a way that makes them feel confident. Then, like any coach, Sharon will ask them to paint a victory picture before the game, inviting them to imagine their best case scenario at a public speaking engagement. “What does it look like when you say it out loud? How do you feel? How does your audience feel? Let’s aim for that.” Using her skills as a journalist, Sharon will gently and respectfully guide the spokeskids to their voice of influence but it will always be Shawn and Laura leading the way: “Let them take the lead,” she says emphatically. “It’s their story. And kids have big stories to tell.”
Research Clinical Support Scholarship
Inside… On page 6
Read about how your donations made a trek of a lifetime possible for Alberta cancer survivors.
On page 7
53 teens took part in the KCCFA Amazing Race, facing roadblocks, pit stops and detours. Read about their adventures here.
On page 10
Don Stevens of Lite 96 joins the KCCFA board. Learn about Don’s long fight for children with cancer inside.
Message from our CEO Dear Friends,
A s I begin writing today, I realize that I’m feeling some trepidation about the economic times we
face. I guess in some ways it can’t be helped. Every news channel or paper you turn to is forecasting doom. Although I am generally an optimist, at times, it is difficult not to be affected by this. I find myself asking: Will we meet our fundraising targets this year? What will 2009 hold for the kids and our programs?
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As I mull these questions over, it occurs to me that you may be in the same position. And I wonder how you are faring. I hope things are not too rocky, although I know you must be worried about bottom lines and meeting tough targets. I know this year will have its challenges but I believe it can still be the best year ever. If I have learned anything from the children over the years it’s that we must look within to find the motivation to go on and succeed. Whatever it takes we will be here because the kids and families need us. When I founded KCCFA in the early 90s the economic terrain was much like it is today. I guess ignorance is bliss because I didn’t pay much attention to the how of raising funds but simply focused on the necessity of providing children with cancer a chance to go to summer camp. It is really no different today. Our vision and purpose remain: A cure for every child, care for every family. Our programs and services are as vital to the families we serve today as they were yesterday. Although we face what appears to be even greater financial uncertainty, I know our staff and volunteer team is up to the challenge. And I know who our friends are.
All photos provided courtesy of KCCFA staff, families and volunteers unless otherwise indicted.
“If I have learned anything from the children over the years it’s that we must look within to find the motivation to go on and succeed.”
I suppose my confidence comes from the company we keep—the kids and their families and friends like Bill Brown, the Aarsby family, Calgary Coop, ENMAX and Meyers Norris Penny. These are just some of the many individuals and businesses that have made our work possible—and sustainable— over the years. I invite you to read about their contributions in this issue.
But there are, as you know, many more individuals, far too many to name here, who have helped us weather one financial storm or another over the years. You have helped us grow into a robust organization that not only sends children to camp but now supports hospital and scholarship programs and innovative research that is capturing the attention of the world. Corban's Journey He's nine years old and just learning to walk again…. Read about Corban's incredible journey of courage and hope and find out how YOU can help kids like him.Visit kidscancercare.ab.ca to donate today.
You have helped create all of this. Thank you. With your help, I know we will weather this storm and we will continue to serve the children and families of Alberta who face childhood cancer for as long as there is a need. Sincerely,
Christine Wandzura, M.S.M, CFRE, Founder & Chief Executive Officer www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
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News The 2009 KCCFA spokeskids: in their words L aura Sadler
My name is Laura Sadler and I am a 16-year-old grade-11 student at the Webber Academy. My brother Stuart is 12 and my little sister Emily just turned seven. My parents are Doug and Michele. I am on the student council and I play badminton singles for the school team. I really enjoy debate club and participate in intra-
school competitions. For many years I have been taking Mandarin as my second language and recently I went to China with my class. It was incredible! My favourite subject is math and I intend to take engineering at university. I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was eight years old. The treatment lasted two and a half years and was pretty hard at times. Overall I did very well and only had minor set-backs. I missed some school but managed to keep up. After celebrating the victory of beating this awful disease with a Wish Trip, I was forced to continue my journey. I relapsed in late June of 2004 and this time I was very sick. The chemo was really harsh and I could not tolerate the side effects. Luckily, a suitable match was found and I had a cord blood stem cell transplant in March 2005. My recovery was largely uneventful and now I feel great! During the course of my difficult treatment, I continually looked forward to KCCFA summer camp where I had many fun and memorable
times. Camp helped me forget I was sick. I am honoured to share my story with you this year. Shawn Gille My battle with cancer taught me a lot about myself and what you can overcome with determination. I now know that anything is possible as long as you try. I began my battle with brain cancer at age eight. At the time, I really didn’t know what it was or really anything about it. But I was scared when I found out that I had to stay in the hospital until it was taken care of. My doctor, Dr. Miles, was great. He always made me feel comfortable with what was going on. I underwent a long eight-hour surgery— kind of funny because I was also eight years old—and then four weeks of chemotherapy. One week on, one week off. When I began radiation I was able to go back in school. I owe a lot to my friends for all the support they gave me when I was in the hospital. Just knowing I had the support of my friends and family, who were always there at my side, made a big difference. I think cancer is something no one should face alone.
I think cancer is something no one should face alone. — Shawn
Two years after diagnosis, I started karate. Karate is a big part of my life because it helped me regain control of the left side of my body, which wasn’t working properly after the cancer and the treatments. The reason I want to be a spokeskid is because the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta has given me so much. Now it’s my turn to finally give back to this organization.
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Community Friends Friends in the community make great things happen for KCCFA kids and families! We thank our friends who raised funds on our behalf through community initiatives such as raffles, shaves and other fundraisers. Kendall Aarsby couldn’t help notice how much his family enjoyed shaving him bald.
All in the family
W hen a young man decides to shave his
meticulously grown hair, people stop and take notice. Well, most of the time. Last fall, when Kendall Aarsby announced he was shaving off his hair for KCCFA kids, it didn’t come as a huge surprise. That’s because Kendall is part of the Aarsby family—a family with a long history of supporting the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. Kendall’s decision to go bald was just the next step on a long road of volunteering and giving.
“One
The 19-year-old son of Terry and Donna Aarsby, Kendall was just walking in his parents’ shoes. Turns out he has pretty big boots to fill. His mother sits on two KCCFA fundraising event committees— the Parents’ Quest gala and the annual golf tournament. His father’s company, GLJ Petroof us is never as good as leum Consultants, …Together we CAN is also a long-time sponsor of the make a difference.” tournament.
all of us
to $700 within minutes, simply by collecting donations from family and friends at the party. The shave became an all-in-the-family affair as relatives took turns shaving. Kendall couldn’t help notice the satisfaction this seemed to give his loved ones. The Aarsby’s choose to support KCCFA because they’re committed to family and community. “I am never alone,” says Donna. “My family stands behind me and supports me and helps create an environment where really good things can happen. They actively listen, share their ideas, give their time, money and support for KCCFA. One of us is never as good as ALL OF US…Together we CAN make a difference.” Dad helps because he is impressed with our unique golf tournament and our incredible volunteers. He also knows that as a sponsor, he’s doing something that really helps. Mom feels the same way: “Hearing the stories of the children and their parents inspires me to work harder for them. I get personal satisfaction knowing I can help make a difference.”
Kendall decided to shave his head on a whim, thinking his father’s birthday party was the best place to do it. He was right. He raised close
FFCA brings in $9,500 Foundation for the Future Chartered Academy high school proved that strong leadership and motivation can make a difference. After putting together an impressive fundraising campaign, which included personal donations and a corporate sponsor, the students of FFCA have a lot to be proud of—and shiny heads to show for all their hard work. www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 4
Sun Media Corp
F orty students at the
Community Friends Calgary Co-op raises $25,395 for KCCFA teens C
algary Co-op hosted more than 600 guests at their annual Calgary Co-op Charity Golf Classic tournament and gala last June and raised more than $280,000 for local charities. KCCFA kids were the recipients of some of the funds with a $20,395 cash donation and a $5,000 Co-op gift card for our SunSeeker program. Don, Joanne and the Coach were there to get the ball rolling, broadcasting the Lite 96 morning show live from Heritage Pointe as golfer’s teed off.
ENMAX employees raise $43,000
A big thanks to Calgary ENMAX employees who got to work
and raised over $43,000 for our new scholarship fund last summer through several grass-roots initiatives including a bottle recycling program, a furniture silent auction, golf tournament and coin collection. What a great use of energy!
Calgary Co-op celebrated with Lite 96 and KCCFA with a big cheque for the kids at their annual golf tournament.
$25,000 F-O-R-E the kids T he Canadian Remarketing Group
(CRG) and the Calgary Progress Club North held their second annual golf tournament and brought in $25,000 for KCCFA kids. It was a perfect day thanks to Bill Brown, Sean Morin and Matt Black of CRG and Adam Verheyde, a 2008 KCCFA spokeskid who shared his cancer story at the tournament dinner.
Left: L-R Christine Wandzura of KCCFA, Bill Brown of CRG, 2008 KCCFA spokeskid Adam, Sean Morin and Matt Black of CRG enjoyed a day of golf and brought in $25,000 for KCCFA kids.
Jugo Day: a healthy deal for KCCFA kids
S eptember 18 was Jugo Day and thousands of Albertans got their daily requirement of fruit and vitamins, while helping children with cancer. Jugo Juice donated $1 from every smoothie or fresh-pressed juice purchased in Alberta to KCCFA and raised more than $6,600. Now that’s a healthy donation.
Golfing and building for a cure in Red Deer S eptember 13
wrapped up another stellar fundraising year for the Red Deer community. Hundreds of volunteers gave their time to organize and participate in the annual Golf and Build a Kid to Cure events. Together, the tournament and the new home, built by professionals in the Red Deer home building industry who donated their time and materials, raised $200,000 for Alberta charities. $100,000 went to KCCFA kids. Thanks to Dave McNabb and Dave Wild of Regional Mortgage Corporation and Sorento Custom Homes for making these fundraising initiatives possible again last year.
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Community Programs February Young Adult Conference Feb. 20 - 22 March Graceful Arts Zoo Sleep Over March 13 Teen Leadership Workshop Date TBA April SunDance - Lloyds Roller Skating Apr. 4 Teen Night Roughnecks Lacrosse Game Apr. 4 Graceful Arts Telus World of Science Apr. 25 May SunDance Mother’s Day Brunch, May 10 Graceful Arts Dance Diva’s May 24
Teen Night Westside Recreation Centre May 30 Cancer survivors Roxy (above), Philippe and Justine (below) hiked the Trail of Hope in Vermont last June and experienced the trek of a lifetime.
Camp & Community Outreach East meets west: a tale of two cancer groups C
anadian youth with a history of cancer came together last spring, when the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta joined forces with the Quebec Leucan Cancer Organization and hosted their first annual teen and young adult exchange from May 27 to June 2, 2008. Seven young adult cancer survivors from KCCFA were chosen by written application to take part in the Trail of Hope, a breathtaking trek through Green Mountain Forest in Vermont, U.S.A. KCCFA delegates met up with a group from Leucan and, together, the two groups travelled to Vermont for the trek of a lifetime. The five-day trip introduced cancer survivors from Alberta and Quebec to a new culture and language as well as daily doses of physical and mental challenge: “I do not like camping or hiking,” said Laura on the first day of the trek. “This is completely out of my comfort zone.”
“If I can do this, I can do anything.” — Laura Laura—and others— met with hurdles along the way but with a little encouragement and support from her KCCFA and Leucan friends, she managed to make it through the week. “I did it! I was about to give up but I realized I didn’t come here for that. I came here to learn, to grow and try and I made it to the summit.” Green Mountain National Forest provided the young people with a scenic and safe place to challenge themselves. It was an empowering experience that served to strengthen their inner resolve, endurance and self-esteem.
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“I guess you could say that this trip came at the best and the worst time of my life,” says cancer survivor Justine. “I had been dealing with an incident that had damaged me tremendously and, honestly, having fun was the last thing on my mind. But this trip reassured me of the life I was given to live. Being with cancer survivors and sharing experiences with them reminded me how lucky each and every one of us is and how far we have all come. It was an amazing time, with beautiful people and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Thanks to our generous donors who make trips like this possible, the Vermont trip was a huge success for both Leucan and KCCFA delegates. They overcame physical and mental challenges they never imagined possible. They met new friends, experienced new vistas and will continue to use the trip to help them focus on the positive experiences cancer has brought them. This was indeed a trial and Trail of Hope! “If I can do this, I can do anything,” says Laura. “I can’t wait to take my dad and teach him all that I have learned.”
Camp & Community Outreach
The Amazing Race
Welcome to the Amazing Race KCCFA!
This year’s fall Teen Camp saw 53 teens race around the world and back again in 48 hours. They faced roadblocks, pit stops, detours and fast forwards, all in an attempt to conquer the KCCFA Amazing Race Challenge. The teens arrived at Easter Seals Camp Horizon Friday night and were immediately thrust into action. Their first challenge: find their teams. Their next assignment was to come up with catchy team names and to decorate their Amazing Race passports. Saturday morning saw the official kick-off of the Amazing Race. First stop: Greece, where groups were to perform a five-minute Greek play. A bit of artistic license on the word Greece had one inspired team performing a creative rendition of the song Grease Lightening—an astute play on words by our clever teens. The day also had teens sumo wrestling in Japan, making pizzas in Italy and skiing in Sweden. After a morning of jet-setting and globe-trotting, the teens took a break from their Amazing Race adventures to indulge in a bit of leisure activity. High ropes, photography, hiking, scrapbooking, the climbing wall and disc-jockeying with lessons from our very own DJ Fish (aka Dustin) were in the offing.
Dustin thinking his name was Snuffleupagus and everyone else talking into their shoes. A Teen Camp dance followed, featuring DJ Fish and his newly trained DJ team. Everyone dressed up for the occasion, including some gaudy 80s fashion sported by our medical team, staff and volunteers.
The KCCFA Amazing Race had teens at our fall Teen Camp sumo wrestling in Japan, making pizzas in Italy and skiing in Sweden.
Sunday morning rang in the final stage of the race. Final destination: Canada. Ten teams travelled to the hinterlands of Canada to complete a giant three-legged race. The catch was that the three-legged race was more of a seven-legged race as whole teams were tied together. The teams raced up to the teepees where they sang their favourite Canadian song and an enthusiastic rendition of O Canada! After lunch it was time to pack up and say our goodbyes to each other and another fantastic Teen Camp. Excitement was already in the air for our Young Adult Conference in February and our spring Teen Camp. Thanks to everyone for making it an amazing weekend. And a special thanks to Allan and Karen Laudersmith for putting on a stellar hypnotist show.
The stakes were high on Saturday night when participants took part in a mesmerizing show by KCCFA dad and hypnotist Allan Laudersmith. It was a sight for sore eyes and ears with
In review
Virginia Lynn Fry Part of Me Died,Too by
teenagers can be found ong bereaved children and am l viva sur e ativ cre of s o the inner world and art of Me Died,Too: storie ok provides a glimpse int bo is Th e. ntr Ce rce sou useful book for parents in the KCCFA Family Re y lose a loved one. It’s a the en wh e fac ers nag tee ath and their journey challenges children and nager’s perspective on de tee or ld’s chi a re plo ex their feelings around who may be looking to searching to understand ers nag tee for ul lpf he ders feel the emotions of through it. It may also be Every story is true so rea s. rie sto ’ ers nag tee er by children and teenagers death by relating to oth gies and resources used ate str ve ati cre res sha the authors. The book ir grief. to help them through the
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Perspectives Coping strategies A re there particular coping skills and strate-
gies that can help parents of children with cancer? According to John J. Spinetta, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, there are. When parents were asked what helped them to function during the course of treatment, several key characteristics emerge: • Philosophy of life • Support • Talking to their child • Talking to the sick child’s brothers and sisters • Keeping life normal
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Philosophy of life A fundamental characteristic of families who coped well was a philosophy of life that helped them to accept the diagnosis. It allowed them to approach treatment with a spirit of optimism and hope. Families who did less well tended to be overwhelmed by the diagnosis rather than focusing on the treatment and cure. Support system Well-functioning parents also had strong social support systems. While many parents find support from close friends and family, most parents found their strongest support from other parents of children with cancer. Parents who formed support groups found that sharing their burdens with other parents helped strengthen their ability to cope. A support network is especially important for single parents and their partners and for those who serve in the place of parents, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles or nontraditional life partners. It is also important for parents to have a social support system beyond the marriage or family relationship, so the man and woman do not place unrealistic expectations on their ability to support each other. www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 8
Talking with your child Parents who have coped well also communicated well with their sick child. Children diagnosed with cancer have a right to know the truth at their own level of understanding. With young children, it is important to share enough truth so they understand what is happening but are not overwhelmed. Talking with siblings Parents who coped well also openly communicated with the sick child’s siblings, who also have a right to know the truth at their own level of development. Parents should be careful not to burden older brothers or sisters with responsibility for their ill younger sibling. A diagnosis of childhood cancer in the family shouldn’t turn siblings into overly serious children or adolescents and rob them of their childhood. Keeping life normal Well-adapted parents also made sure their families functioned as normally as possible during treatment. Day-to-day life cannot be put on hold for two years and re-started when the cancer is cured. Sending children with cancer back to school as soon as medically possible and continuing to discipline the sick child helps communicate that he or she going to get well. It is also important for parents to keep their own lives normal, especially keeping alive their personal and intimate life. Each parent needs a break from the illness to replenish energy levels. By keeping their own lives as normal as possible mom and dad will be better equipped to help their child and family. Parents often protect children from the very things that help them to grow and develop. By holding their hands and walking them through the treatment process, parents can help them learn lifelong coping skills and strategies. The above article originally appeared in Contact, a newsletter published by the Child Cancer Organization as part of their Back to Basics Series .To read the full story or other articles in the Back to Basics series, visit childcancer.org.uk/contact.
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Volunteers
The gift of gab
Bill Brown is a third generation auctioneer from Brown’s Furniture and Auction in Saskatchewan. The Brown family is an institution in the auctioneering business, making a living of fast-talking. But these days, Bill isn’t brining in much for himself because he’s giving a lot of it away. He works at over 75 charity fundraising events in the city each year. His trick to auctioneering at charity events? “Talk fast, be clear, make it fun...and get people to pay more money!” And when it’s all said and done, Bill and his team donate the honoraria for their services to two charities. For“Enjoy each day tunately for us, KCCFA is one of his charities of choice.
When it comes to giving his time, his resources and talents, Bill defies all boundaries. He is philanthropist, volunteer and community friend. Not only does he talk at impossible speeds but he also puts his gift of gab to work for the people and causes he cares deeply about. He’s what some people call a catalyst, using his smarts and his connections to open doors for others.
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M eet the man who can talk at uncanny speeds and win over even the toughest of hearts and get them raising money for charity. And when he’s done talkin’, he’ll tell you more, in about 10 seconds or less, all there is to know about the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.
“Bill is the most giving, selfless, caring and thoughtful man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” says Candice Martin of KCCFA. “He always puts others first and gives with his heart, his time and through his many, many connections. Bill will never say no to someone in need.”
Above: Bill Brown, at last year’s Parents’ Quest gala Below: Bill shows a little leg at the Don, Joanne & the Coach golf tournament last year.
You may not be able to understand Bill when he’s fast-talking as an auctioneer but understanding the man and his motivation is easy. He’s doing it for the kids because he cares.
and contribute anyway you can.”
Bill has been involved with KCCFA for more than a decade, helping out at our golf tournament early on. Bill also volunteers at our Parents’ Quest for the Cure gala. His reason for helping? It’s simple: “Kids just shouldn’t have cancer.” His hope is that one day new research and better care will wipe the words childhood cancer—or any kind of cancer for that matter—from our lexicon.
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Bill enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his three dogs Kia, Lumpy and Maggie. His daughter and two granddaughters, Megan and Emma, are his joy. Bill lost his wife to cancer three years ago and has a life motto: “Enjoy each day and contribute anyway you can.” Bill is true to his word. He mentors and trains new auctioneers and in the last 25 years he has donated his services to more than 1,200 charity auctions. Former president of the Canadian Progress Club Calgary North, Bill also dedicates his services to Ducks Unlimited.
Bid $1,000, bid $1,100, $1,100 bid $1,200, $1,200 bid $1,250, $1,250 go $1,300. Do I hear $1,350? Sold for $1,300!
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Our People Off the air with Don Stevens W hen a neighbourhood child
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was diagnosed with cancer 14 years ago, Don Stevens and his wife Diane felt like many of us who know others facing cancer. They felt helpless yet they knew they wanted to do something to make it better. When the opportunity arose to get involved with KCCFA soon after the child was diagnosed, Don was all over it.
March 31 is scholarship deadline Heading into post-secondary studies? Upgrading high school? You may be eligible for a KCCFA Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship. Recipients must: 1. Be a childhood cancer patient or survivor; 2. Be enrolled in a postsecondary education institute (includes high school upgrading pro grams) and provide proof of registration; 3. Be a resident of southern Alberta (Red Deer and south) 4. Submit a completed scholarship application along with all required documentation by March 31. Late and/ or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. To find out more about the KCCFA Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship, visit our website at kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Don recalls just how devastated his neighbors were at that time: “I don’t know if people realize how much childhood cancer affects the family. It isn’t only the child with cancer. The siblings feel it too because Mom and Dad are so busy with things at the hospital. It messes up their holidays, their birthdays, their soccer practices, and their Christmases. Everyone feels it.”
Don, Joanne & the Coach have used their influence on the air and on the greens, making new contacts, attracting new sponsors and raising big dollars for the kids. Don sees his role on the board in similar terms: “I’ll use whatever influence I have to draw people to this organization—on the air, off the air, in the board room, on the golf course. Ultimately my role is to attract new people and replace myself, so the calibre of the board is always getting better.” Don has seen a lot since his early days in radio when all he wanted to do was stay up late, night after night, listening to all the music in the station library. Since then, he’s worked at stations across the country as program director and on-air personality. He’s also scooped just about every award the industry has to
One of the hosts from Don, Joanne & the Coach on Lite 96, Don has been committed to children with cancer ever since. Last fall he upped that support when he joined KCCFA’s board of directors but Don and his colleagues Joanne Johnson and Jamie Herbison have been supporting children with cancer for years. The Don, Joanne & the Coach Golf a Kid to Camp tournament has been in the air almost as long as they’ve been on the air together and over the years its raised more “If you have an audience and people than $1.5 million. , you can influence are “We adopted the Foundation right and you can make a difference.” away—and they adopted us.”
listening
The popular morning show on Lite 96 has won several broadcasting awards, including the Calgary Herald Readers’ Choice Award for favourite radio personalities for several years running. “Every year, I’m surprised to see just how popular the show is but its good. You can do a lot from a place of influence like this,” says Don. “If you have an audience and people are www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
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listening, you can influence and you can make a difference.”
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Don and his wife Diane at the Parents’ Quest gala.
offer. He’s good at what he does.
“I got into radio because I love music. I wanted to have fun and play music. That hasn’t changed. But if I can do that and help the kids have a bit of fun too, well, why not?”
Our Sponsors
MNP: a culture of giving is the presenting sponsor of the Parents’ Quest for the Cure Ice Gala and one of our valued supporters. Ted Poppitt, executive vice president of practice development for MNP, shares his company’s philosophy on corporate giving. LLP
1. What is Meyers Norris Penny’s philosophy on corporate giving? One of our corporate values is to value the communities in which our clients live and work and we endeavour to remain good corporate citizens in each community. We have offices in about 75 communities across the country and support each of the communities we operate in. Giving to organizations that help make a difference in people’s lives is important to our firm, and really at the foundation of who we are. 2.This has been a financially turbulent year. What prompted Meyers Norris Penny to renew its sponsorship with KCCFA? First of all, the values of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation align with our own. Meyers Norris Penny is very much about family, so it’s a good fit. Second, we’re grass-roots.We work in a lot of communities from large metropolises like Calgary or Toronto to small rural centres like Rimbey or Humboldt, and we’re committed to each of the communities in which we live and work. Third, KCCFA also serves families across Alberta in both rural and urban centres, so in helping you, we’re helping families in our communities who may be facing childhood cancer. 3. What services does MNP offer? MNP delivers a full range of assurance, taxation and business advisory services.We offer all the traditional accounting services you’d expect from a CA firm, but we’re also business advisors and offer straightforward business advice focused on what matters most—helping people achieve their goals.
4. How did you first get involved with the Foundation? I took part in the last two Trico Homes Ride for a Lifetime and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to do more than ride and raise pledges though, so we got involved as the presenting sponsor of the gala. It’s been a very rewarding experience.
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M eyers Norris Penny
5. In light of the current economic environment, do you have any advice for our sponsors and donors? In good times or in bad times, a company needs to lay down sound business principles and not allow themselves to be distracted by all the noise.Yes, it’s important to be nimble and responsive but you must stay true to your vision and mission. If it is in your values to give to the community then you must continue to do this in the ways you can. For instance, our employees just spent the last hour
Ted Poppitt of MNP and Christine Wandzura of KCCFA welcome guests at the 2008 Parents’ Quest for the Cure gala
“In good times or in bad times …you must stay true to your vision and mission. If it is in your values to give to the community then you must continue to do this in the ways you can.” stuffing lunch bags for a local charity, so you give in whatever way you can. 6. So, you support other charities too. MNP supports numerous charities in each of the communities we serve and we will continue to do so. For me personally, I think of KCCFA as a bit of an orphan.You don’t have all the glitz and glamour of some of the larger charities. I like that and feel it is important to support.We also like the way KCCFA interfaces directly with researchers and with medical professionals at the hospital. kidscancercare.ab.ca www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 11
Board of Directors Jack Perraton, C.M., QC, Chair Jackie Altwasser Dr. Christopher Brown Crispin Arthur Cindy Gibson Joni Hughes Catherine Laing Don Schafer Brad Stevens Don Stevens Dr. Doug Strother
Fundraising Events
Staff Team Christine Wandzura, M.S.M., CFRE Chief Executive Officer Gail Corbett Communications Manager
Sharlene Coulter
February 28, 2009
Manager of Volunteers
Catharine DeCosta Event Coordinator
Roz Freeman Event Coordinator
Ashlee Guise Communty Initiatives Coordinator
Tracey Huddy Outreach Coordinator
Mike MacKay Director of Camp & Community Outreach
Candice Martin Manager of Community Initiatives
Trish Matheson, CFRE
Parents’ Quest for the Cure Ice Gala
presented by Meyers Norris Penny LLP Saturday, February 28, 2009 The Calgary Westin, 320 – 4 Avenue SW Get ready for the cool elegance of KCCFA’s Ice Gala and help fund research for children with cancer. Tickets are $200 each or $2,000 for a table of 10. Call 403.216.9210 or email staff@ kidscancercare.ab.ca to order your tickets today.
Trico Homes Ride for a Lifetime
June 19 – 21, 2009 Join the weekend warriors who are helping change the face of childhood cancer one kilometre at a time. The ride fills up fast, so mark your calendar. Registration opens February 1. Call 403.984.1225 or email decosta@kidscancercare.ab.ca for details.
Director of Development & Communications
Sherry McKeil Nursing Coordinator
Janice McLeod
Don, Joanne & the Coach Golf a Kid to Camp
Administrative Coordinator
Thursday, August 13, 2009, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club $500 per golfer Join Calgary’s favourite radio personalities for a day of golf and help send a kid to camp. Registration opens March 1. For information, call 403.984.1228 or email freeman@kidscancercare. ab.ca.
Jodi McNabb, CFRE Development Manager
Jordan Millar Camp Coordinator
Carly Murray Event Coordinator
Mary Phillipo Camp Administrative Assistant
Tracey Stahn Community Program Coordinator
We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you about KCCFA’s activities. If you wish to alter the amount or type of mail you receive, please call us at 403.216.9210 or email staff@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Canadian Publications Agreement #40049602 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta 609 - 14 Street N.W., Suite 302 Calgary, AB T2N 2A1 P 403.216.9210 F 403.216.9215 Toll Free (Alberta) 1.888.554.2267