Crohn’s and Colitis Canada raises $975,000 in one evening, funds groundbreaking research

Toronto, ON, May 20, 2016 – Crohn’s and Colitis Canada volunteer organizers hosted a wildly successful event to make Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis stop – for life. The charity raised almost $1 million ($975,000). Almost half of that amount, $474,000 was raised in just 20 minutes at the “Fund-A-Cure” segment, with the first donation of $100,000 from an anonymous donor immediately matched by a $100,000 gift from the RAP Foundation.

The generosity of donors widely exceeded the charity’s expectations for its annual gala, which was held at the new Universal EventSpace in Vaughan, ON. Seven hundred and twenty donors and attendees poured in to see the “Legendary Man of a Thousand Voices”, Andre-Philippe Gagnon, and gave big. Their support will help the nearly quarter million Canadians living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

“Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is committed to advancing care for people living with these chronic diseases. We fund research and drive awareness initiatives to galvanize support from Canadians,” said Mina Mawani, President and Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of the patients, their families and the scientific community we support, thank you. The generosity shown at last night’s gala will make a significant impact.” 

The “Fund-A-Cure” segment at the gala brought down the house with stories from people living with Crohn’s disease and colitis. Chantel Wicks’ emotional and honest story about her challenges resonated with a silent audience. “Living with Crohn’s disease has been terrible, and it’s an uphill battle everyday. But I can take it. I share my story so others know they are not alone. Together, we can stop the stigma and stop the missed moments,” she concluded. 

The RAP Foundation matched funds raised in the “Fund-A-Cure” segment with a significant gift of $100,000. “There is a lot of forward momentum in Crohn’s and colitis care and research, especially with the GEM Project and the recent launch of the PACE Network,” said Alison Elliott, RAP Foundation. Alison was in attendance with her son Patrick, who spoke during the “Fund-A-Cure” segment. “We are thrilled to provide a boost to further research and education, and look forward to a time where Canadians with Crohn’s and colitis can live uninhibited lives.”

The Toronto Gala for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has been raising money for over 22 years to support the cause. Money raised at the gala will help the charity move two significant projects forward: the PACE network and the GEM project. PACE is a new, national network of leading research centres aiming to elevate and standardize patient care across the country. The GEM Project is an international research study initiated by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada that is attempting to determine possible triggers for Crohn’s disease. 

About Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. We are one of the top two health charity funders of Crohn’s and colitis research in the world, investing over $94 million in research to date. We are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn’s and colitis (the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease) through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness. Our Crohn’s & Colitis – Make it stop. For life. Campaign will raise $100 million by 2020 to advance our mission.

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For more information or to arrange an interview with a representative of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, please contact:

Nic Canning             
Account Manager       
Smithcom Ltd.     
413-992-7187    
nic.canning@smithcom.ca         

CK DesGrosseilliers 
Marketing and Communications Manager
Crohn's and Colitis Canada
416-920-5035, ext. 241
cdesgrosseilliers@crohnsandcolitis.ca

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

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