Get Involved
There are so many ways you can help make a difference in the lives of patients and families today.
Get Involved
No matter which way you decide to get involved, we thank you!
Volunteer
The value of one. The power of many.
Those words resonate with us deeply at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Every year, our volunteers continue to raise the bar on what is possible when a community comes together for a cause. In our case, that is finding the cause of and cure for brain tumours, and to provide support and encouragement for all Canadians affected.
As we recognize volunteers across Canada this National Volunteer Week, we want to congratulate you and celebrate you.
It is entirely due to your time, your energy, and your collective passion to build a better future for Canadians affected by brain tumours that we have been able to continue doing what we do for 39 years now.
This past year alone, as the pandemic kept so many of us housebound, your creativity and your endurance have enabled us to reach people who otherwise could have easily slipped through the cracks.
You have helped redefine volunteerism, using digital means to close physical gaps. We eagerly await the day we can once again work side-by-side.
Until then, we rely on you so that you can rely on us. On behalf of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the entire brain tumour community, THANK YOU!
Volunteers make a difference
Support Groups. Brain Tumour Walk events. Governance. National Material Distribution. Fundraising. Awareness-Raising. BrainWAVE. Brain Tumour National Conference. Research. All of these things happen because of more than 700 critical volunteers.
Whether you are interested in fundraising, support services, honouring Brain Tumour Awareness Month, or administration, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.
Thank you to each and every volunteer who contributes to the effort to find the cause of and a cure for brain tumours – and to improve the quality of life for those affected. Everything that you do makes a difference in the lives of patients and families, every day.
2020 Volunteer Awards
Thank you for joining us on Friday, November 20 for our very first Virtual Volunteer Celebration to celebrate the selfless individuals who make the world a better place for the brain tumour community.
The ceremony was hosted by long-time Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada volunteers and mentors, Pablo Coffey and Catherine Wreford.
David Kelly Award for Community Service
The David Kelly Award for Community Service is awarded annually to one individual who exemplifies the spirit of community service in support of the brain tumour community in Canada. This award, previously the Chair’s award for Community Service, has been renamed in honour of brain tumour advocate and fundraising leader David Kelly, from Fredericton, New Brunswick, who passed away in October 2014.
Volunteer of Distinction Award
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Volunteer of Distinction Award is given every year to volunteers who embody the spirit of volunteerism. They are leaders and ambassadors who give freely of their time and energy to help reach every Canadian affected by a brain tumour through support, education, information and research.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award (NEW)
The Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award was founded in 2020 and will be presented annually to one youth who exemplifies the spirit of community service. The nominee has provided considerable time and effort in assisting the brain tumour community and has contributed to making a positive impact. Their actions have displayed leadership and dedication to their involvement with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Health Care Professional Award (NEW)
The Health Care Professional Award was created in 2020 to recognize an individual in the healthcare field that has shown exemplary and compassionate care to the brain tumour community. As an organization, we rely on healthcare professionals to help guide our supports, reach those who are in need, and collaborate on important resources and programs.
Volunteer of Distinction Award Recipients:
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2020 Volunteer of Distinction Awards.
Myriam Boucher-Pinard
Since joining the Montreal Brain Tumour Walk Committee in 2018, Myriam Boucher-Pinard has become a leader in her own right, managing more than 50 walk volunteers in 2019, and encouraging others with her passion and positivity.
Éloïse Carré
Volunteering is just a part of who Éloïse Carré is. A nurse and student, she has brought joy to children and families in Quebec affected by brain tumours over the two years she has been involved in the GOcervo program.
Read more about Éloïse here.
Dee Ferlisi and Sandra Lisi
When friends like Sandra Lisi and Dee Ferlisi come together for a great cause, their love and positivity always produce amazing results. Their story is one of continued success, both in the Brampton brain tumour community and in Canada as a whole.
Read more about Dee and Sandra here.
See Dee and Sandra’s acceptance here.
Dayna Magnuson
Dayna Magnuson opened up new territory, literally, for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Brain Tumour Walk program. Dayna laid the foundation of the very first community brain tumour walk in Yukon territory in 2018.
Read more about Dayna here.
Previous recipients:
2019:
Danielle Barclay, Arlette Boghonskhan, Michele Bliss, Hazel Neely
2018:
Pablo Coffey, Greg Taylor and Christina Hagberg, Kelley Weatherby, and Michèle Tirlemont
2017:
Rachel Brown, Claire Snyman, Diane McFarlane, and Rick Bradt.
2016:
Chris Wynder, Janet Hempler, Karen Metcalfe, and Natalie Edwards.
2015:
Diana Schurer, Denis Raymond, and one further nominee who has chosen to remain anonymous.
2014:
David Kelly, Diane McAuley, and Siobhan Taylor.
2013:
Keith Anderson, Janice Laberge, Dr. Arjun Sahgal, and Karen Vickers.
2012:
Brian Montag, Claudette Brown, and Heather McKeigan.
2011:
Kathy Thornton and Jacqueline Huff, Jenn Quinn, Agnes Chick, Christa Kingsley, and Joline LeBlanc.
2010:
Ingrid Exner, Danielle Griffiths, Mike Kennedy, Lori and Stephen Wilson.
2009:
Robin Bateman, Claudine LePage, Melissa Martin, and Crystal Tellett.
2008:
Theresa Acchione, Dave D’Entremont, Margaret Dodgson, and Marianna Hope.
Thank you for all your incredible contributions!
David Kelly Award for Community Service Recipients:
The Elliott and MacKenzie families
It takes dedication and commitment to host an event that spreads hope for two decades, and the family of Katie Elliott and Nancy Mackenzie have done just that with the Hak/Elliott Golf Tournament.
Their longstanding commitment to their community and to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is being recognized this year with the David Kelly Award for Community Service.
Read more about the Elliott and MacKenzie families here.
See the Elliott and MacKenzie acceptance here.
Previous recipients:
2019:
Amie and Mark Donais
Barbie Brown and Rob Reichenbacher
2018:
Dr. Lisa Porter
2017:
Jennifer Gouchie-Terris
Connor Thomson
2016:
Blair Shunk
Chris Wiebe
2015:
Yaron Butterfield
2014:
Ross MacDougall
Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Recipients:
Congratulations to our very first Outstanding Youth Award recipients.
Isabella Coffey – Ottawa, ON
From inspiring young volunteers to helping parents talk about brain tumours with their children, Isabella Coffey of Ottawa has become a leader in the brain tumour community.
As the daughter of a brain tumour survivor, Isabella has been sharing hope and encouragement with the brain tumour community since the age of nine.
Read more about Isabella here.
Watch Isabella’s acceptance here.
Mckenna Lumley – Windsor, ON
Few people hold the titles of author, spokesperson, philanthropist and businesswoman at the age of 15, but Mckenna Lumley of Windsor is all of the above. The Walkerville Collegiate Institute student has demonstrated creativity and dedication to raising awareness and funds for the brain tumour community in her writing and through her ‘Glitter Glam’ tattoos initiative.
Read more about Mckenna here.
Watch Mckenna’s acceptance here.
Andie McGugan – St. Thomas, ON
Find a cause you love and dedicate your time and talents to it.
That’s the advice from St. Thomas student Andie McGugan.
The 14-year old has earned national recognition for her Bracelets For Brains fundraising program, and for encouraging other youth to become involved in volunteerism.
Read more about Andie here.
Health Care Professional Award
Dr Arjun Sahgal
Dr. Arjun Sahgal has been involved with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for more than 10 years. He is a leader in radiation oncology, a source of comfort for those diagnosed with brain tumours, and a credit to the values of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Hazel's Story of Volunteering
Hazel has been volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for almost three years, helping with administrative duties. In her own words, she describes her volunteer story with us.
Read more...