Step Up For Ostomy 2024
September 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm MDT
Join the Calgary Ostomy Society as we Step Up For Ostomy!
Join us at the Inglewood Community Hall on Saturday, September 21, 2024, and show your support for those living with an ostomy at the Step Up For Ostomy awareness and fundraising event. There will be an awareness walk, BBQ lunch, and Ostomy Expo and a great opportunity to meet others with an ileostomy, urostomy, colostomy, j-pouch, or related surgery. Register today to get a free t-shirt!
Registration Form (Eventbrite)
Register for Step Up For Ostomy 2024 using the form below. Please note that you must scroll down to choose ticket add-ons such as free t-shirts, seated yoga, and the Ostomy Photoshoot.
Agenda
The Step Up For Ostomy event will be held at the Inglewood Community Hall on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Spend the day with others living with an ostomy or j-pouch by participating in this event hosted by Calgary Ostomy. It includes an awareness walk through the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary with a BBQ and Ostomy Expo. Please note that we are holding our event a week earlier than the national date due to venue availability.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Registration & Ostomy Expo:
- Registration. Please arrive at the Inglewood Community Hall and head inside to the Main Hall. All attendees are required to sign a waiver. The online registration ticket includes a waiver, but you may sign one on-site.
- Ostomy Expo (see below) – exhibitors are invited to stay for the entire event, however, some cannot commit to the entire event, so the best time to visit is from 10 am to 11 am. Exhibitors and event sponsors are to be announced.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Awareness Walk or Seated Yoga:
- Awareness and Nature Walk. The walk begins with a group photoshoot at the community hall. We will then walk to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and back. The walking trail is accessible for those with mobility devices to a certain point. However, the walk from the community hall to the bird sanctuary is 1.1 km, so you may drive there if preferred. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear suitable footwear!
- Seated Yoga Session. Those not up to participating in the walk due to limited mobility, GI or health issues, etc. are welcome to remain at the hall for this alternative activity. Please wear comfy clothing.
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – BBQ Lunch:
- We will be serving hot dogs, chips, and beverages. There will be a seating area indoors at the Main Hall of the Inglewood Community Hall. Stick around to win a door prize!
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Ostomy Photoshoot:
- Models Wanted! Stick around for an ostomy photoshoot with Sean Currie. Become a face on the Ostomy Canada website banner, Magazine, or Newsletter! Everyone is invited to participate. Please see the Calgary Ostomy or Ostomy Canada website banner for an example of ostomy-positive photos. (Clothing, makeup, and hair are up to the participant).
Event Info
September 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm MDT
Ostomy Expo
We have invited ostomy vendors to attend and showcase their wares and provide samples at the Step Up For Ostomy Event, also indoors at the Main Hall. You can speak to local ostomy manufacturers and vendors and learn about their product lines. Calgary Ostomy Society volunteers will also be present to answer any questions you have about our organization. Please stay tuned for more updates!
Become an Ostomy Exhibitor
To become an exhibitor at the Ostomy Expo, we require that your company:
- Is or plans to become a National Sponsor of the Step Up For Ostomy 2024 campaign (through Ostomy Canada Society), or,
- Become a Local Sponsor for a $100+ contribution. This will support the cost of the hall rental.
Samples Wanted!
We would love it if your company could provide some ostomy-related samples or freebies for participants.
Fundraising & Donations – Help us reach our goal!
This unique cross-Canada event will raise much-needed funds to help us improve the quality of life for people with ostomy in every province and territory. Our goal this year is to raise $ 100,000. Over the past year, Ostomy Canada has improved its national website, newsletter, and webinars, increasing endeavours in programming, government advocacy, marketing, outreach, awards, partnerships, and finance. Step Up For Ostomy also supports our local chapter, as we will receive 10% of the funds from all donations made in the area. This is Calgary Ostomy’s major fundraiser, so every little bit helps!
- Please join the Just Giving Calgary Ostomy team page to collect online pledges or donate. You can also track your offline donations here. This is also a great way to share your story.
- You are welcome to start a team if you have other people, such as family or a company, who would like to participate in fundraising with you.
- If you wish to collect offline donations via cash, cheque, or credit card, please use Pledge Form. We will require donor information to issue tax receipts (donations $25+).
- To make a personal offline donation via cash, cheque, or credit card at the Step Up For Ostomy event, it may be more convenient to make an online pledge, as we will be mailing the Event Participation Forms to Ostomy Canada for processing. Click here to donate online!
- All pledge forms, including cash and cheques, should be turned in at the Step Up For Ostomy event.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you own a business in Calgary & Area? We are looking for local sponsors (the cost is $100+) to support the Step Up For Ostomy event. This will be used for expenses related to event hosting, such as the venue and food, with proceeds going directly to the Calgary Ostomy Society. You will be required to complete the Local Sponsorship Pledge Form. Your company name will be recognized on the Step Up For Ostomy website, social media, and at the event. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Get more recognition in the Canadian ostomy community! Ostomy Canada is still accepting National Sponsors. Please contact info1@ostomycanada.ca for more information.
Volunteers Needed!
Event Day—We need volunteers to assist with food, set up and take down, and awareness walk leader(s). Setup will begin at 9:00 a.m., and takedown will begin at 2:00 p.m. If you can assist, please get in touch with us at hello@calgaryostomy.ca.
Step Up For Ostomy T-Shirts
T-shirts will be available this year! Get your free shirt by registering for our Step Up For Ostomy event.
RSVP today – quantities are limited!
Special thanks to Craig Bean at CB Medical for sponsoring the 2024 Step Up For Ostomy t-shirts!
Raise Your Voice for Ostomy Awareness
It’s time to break the silence and illuminate the journeys of those with ostomies! Sharing your experience can inspire, educate, and support many who may feel isolated, all while raising awareness in the wider community. Here are some ideas for fundraising by sharing your ostomy story on social media:
- Photo Stories: Capture a moment that reflects your daily life with an ostomy and accompany it with a heartfelt caption.
- Video Diaries: Record a brief video sharing your personal journey and the challenges you’ve faced and overcome.
- Write Your Story: Compose an insightful piece about your experiences and share it on your Facebook page for friends and family to read.
- Be sure to include the link to your Step Up For Ostomy fundraising page!
Join the movement and help us raise awareness! Use hashtags #OstomyAwareness #StepUpForOstomy
What’s your story? We’d love for you to share it with us or tag Ostomy Canada in your post!
For more resources and tips about fundraising, please visit the Step Up For Ostomy website.
SUFO 2024 Poster
We kindly ask for your help in distributing the promotional posters.
