Executive Director Bryan Ezako reflects on the arrival of October and the essence of Fall, highlighting Ostomy Canada’s recent Annual General Meeting and Strategic Planning session. We recognized outgoing and incoming Board Members, celebrated award recipients, and the upcoming Step Up For Ostomy events.
As the calendar turns the page to October, for me, this signals the true beginning of Fall. It also signals that Thanksgiving will follow in just a few short weeks, reminding me to be grateful for family, friends, and the opportunity to enjoy every waking moment that ensures we all live life to its fullest!
I’m thrilled to share that Ostomy Canada recently held its Annual General Meeting and Strategic Planning session in Mississauga, Ontario, on September 13th and 14th. This gathering was a significant occasion, uniting current, outgoing, and incoming Board Members and staff to lay the groundwork for Ostomy Canada’s new Strategic Plan, which will shape the organization’s future for years to come.
Ostomy Canada AGM 2024. From left, top row: Blair MacKenzie, Réal Lamarche, Joan Peddle, Ann Durkee, Leanne Whyte, Deb Carpentier, Stephanie Grace, Ian MacNeil, Wilma Kohler, Carole Pew, Andrea Manson, Jayne Kerr. Bottom row, from left: Randy Hull, Bill Power, Bryan Ezako, Jacqueline Bloom, Janet Paquet, Steve Maybee, Troy Curtis
I sincerely thank outgoing Board Members Joan Peddle, Andrea Manson, Jayne Kerr, and AJ Leveille for their dedicated efforts. I’m grateful they will remain engaged as volunteers to support Ostomy Canada’s ongoing work.
I also welcome incoming Board Members Bill Power, Blair MacKenzie, Leanne Whyte, and Shehzeen Akhter, and I look forward to your active participation.
The Annual General Meeting was also an excellent opportunity to recognize the achievements of Ostomy Canada’s Annual Award recipients. I am delighted to announce and congratulate this year’s honorees. You can learn more about them on our website:
- Maple Leaf Award – Eva Bordage
- Rosemary Hill – NSWOC Recognition Award
- Tiffany Shorson – Unsung Hero
The arrival of Fall also signals the start of Ostomy Canada’s Annual Step Up For Ostomy campaign, which will take place on October 5. Many Chapters and Peer Support Groups will coordinate local activities and events across the country. To find an event in your community, please visit our calendar and events page: https://stepupforostomy.ca/events-near-you/.
In addition to the upcoming issue of Ostomy Canada Magazine, which will be available soon, I look forward to sharing more exciting updates in the months ahead and wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Warm regards,
Bryan Ezako
Executive Director
Ostomy Canada Society
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