Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Calgary Ostomy Society hosts Step Up For Ostomy fundraiser.
Calgary, AB, September 14, 2021: The Calgary Ostomy Society, a local non-profit organization, is proud to announce its commitment to serving the community by hosting a fundraiser in support of Ostomy Canada. The public is invited to sign up for their awareness walk at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary on September 25, 2021. Participants can register online at www.calgaryostomysociety.com/stepupforostomy. Press & media opportunities are available, and 100% of the fundraising proceeds help support Ostomy Canada.
The “Step Up For Ostomy” event, sponsored by Hollister Inc., will support the various initiatives of Ostomy Canada, including their network of national chapters, support groups and Ostomy Youth Camp in Bragg Creek. Registration for the event is free. Participants will receive a “Goodie Bag” filled by event sponsors, and t-shirts will be available for pick up to those who registered online before September 11, 2021.
The awareness walk starts at 11:00 am, with registration beginning at 10:30 am. Sign up is at the registration tent next to the Inglewood Community Hall. Participants will head towards the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, walking the main loop around the lagoon and back. Following the awareness walk, attendees can partake in a complimentary BBQ, trade show, and the opportunity to win door prizes! Incentives are available for those who raise over $100, and the top 2 fundraisers in Canada will receive a Fitbit watch.
“This is our third time participating in the Ostomy Canada awareness walk, with our primary focus being to raise funds needed to send our local pediatric members to Ostomy Youth Camp. Despite the pandemic, we anticipate doubling both our fundraising goal and event attendance in 2021,” said Pat Cimmeck, President of Calgary Ostomy Society and former camp coordinator. “We were forced to cancel so many events during the last two years, including our youth camp. Like our local camper and long-time ostomate Noel, youth from all across Canada can’t wait for their reunion in 2022! An ostomy can be difficult for an adult to cope with, but a sick kid has many more obstacles to overcome. Camp is a truly magical experience where youth living with an ostomy or related medical condition can feel normal.”
The public, press and media are invited to join us. Donations are accepted, and corporate sponsorships are available. Calgary Ostomy is also looking for volunteers to assist with the event and other general volunteer roles. For more information or to register or donate online, please visit www.calgaryostomysociety.com/stepupforostomy. If you know of anyone coping with ostomy surgery, contact the Calgary Ostomy Society for support.
About Calgary Ostomy Society
Founded in 1968 and based in Calgary, Alberta, the Calgary Ostomy Society is dedicated to helping people with an ostomy or j-pouch. It is a self-governing non-profit, educational health service agency with medical advisers. There are more than 70,000 Canadians who live with an ostomy. An “ostomy” is a diversion process that helps remove bodily waste through a diversion system or “bag” attached to the body. It is typically the result of an operation to remove disease or injury to the digestive or urinary system. Various medical conditions may result in ostomy surgery, including inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and congenital disability. By becoming a member of Calgary Ostomy Society, people can find the support they need to integrate their new ostomy or j-pouch into their lives.
