Calgary Ostomy Summer Fundraiser Recap

The Calgary Ostomy Society’s Summer Fundraiser on June 21 at the Calgary Shrine Centre raised over $9600 through auction and community support—sending 7 local kids to camp! With a record-breaking WestJet auction bid, a BBQ sponsored by Western Health Care, and a generous donation match from CB Medical, this event marked a vibrant return to traditional fundraising.

This past June, the Calgary Ostomy Society proudly hosted its first-ever Summer Fundraiser, bringing fresh energy to our longstanding commitment to supporting youth living with an ostomy. Held on June 21 at the Calgary Shrine Centre, the event marked a joyful return to live fundraising—this time with a sunny seasonal twist.

For many years, our chapter’s annual auction was held in December as part of our Christmas celebration. But with our growing involvement in the Step Up For Ostomy awareness walk each October, we saw an opportunity to reimagine our approach. After a two-year break from auction events, our community came together once again—this time for a summer gathering that proved well worth the wait.

The shift was inspired and led by Sheldon Smithens, whose vision helped shape the event’s structure and purpose. His leadership, paired with the hard work of our volunteers, donors, and sponsors, resulted in a tremendous success.

The fundraiser drew 63 attendees and raised an impressive $5,536 through our auction. A special thank-you goes to Chris Lewin, who secured WestJet tickets that sparked a bidding war—and ultimately brought in a record-breaking $2,400, thanks to the generosity of Esther Halton.

Adding to the excitement was our 50/50 draw, which raised $490, with Robert Squibb taking home half. Guests also enjoyed a BBQ generously sponsored by Western Health Care, bringing a warm and welcoming feel to the day.

We are also thrilled to share that we successfully reached the $4,000 donation match offered by Craig Bean at CB Medical, who not only matched community donations but also generously covered the venue rental costs. Thanks to this extraordinary support, our total fundraising impact was amplified—bringing us even closer to our mission.

Because of this collective effort, the Calgary Ostomy Society is proud to be sending seven local children to the Ostomy Canada Youth Camp this summer. Our chapter continues its tradition of funding 50% of each camper’s registration fee, which has increased over time to $1,300 per child. These contributions make camp accessible to families and give children the opportunity to connect, build confidence, and share unforgettable experiences with others who truly understand.

We’d like to extend a special thank-you to everyone who contributed—whether by donating auction items, sponsoring the event, volunteering your time, or showing up in support. And we especially recognize the dedication of Vice President Deanna Desramaux, whose tireless efforts helped bring every detail together.

This fundraiser was more than a single evening—it was a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together. With your continued support, we look forward to sending even more kids to camp in the years ahead.

With gratitude,
Calgary Ostomy Society