Calgary Steps Up For Ostomy Awareness
Calgary’s Step Up For Ostomy 2025 brought the community together at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary on World Ostomy Day to raise awareness and hope.
Calgary Celebrates Step Up For Ostomy on World Ostomy Day 2025
On October 4, 2025, the Calgary ostomy community gathered at the beautiful Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for this year’s Step Up For Ostomy (SUFO) awareness walk. Despite the overcast skies, chilly winds, and steady rain, with temperatures hovering around 7°C, spirits were high as attendees came together to raise awareness and support for people living with ostomies. The event began at 1 p.m., with participants arriving early to pick up their t-shirts, enjoy some hot chocolate, and connect before the walk began. Our setup included an awning and two tables near the picnic area beside the parking lot—serving as a warm, welcoming hub for everyone throughout the afternoon.
A Strong Turnout Despite the Weather
This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it coincided with World Ostomy Day—an international day of awareness that occurs only once every three years on the first Saturday in October. Calgary’s SUFO was proud to be part of this global celebration, standing in solidarity with ostomates around the world.
It also marked a small change in local tradition. While Calgary has typically held its Step Up For Ostomy event in September, 2025 was the first time since 2021 that it took place in October. Even with the shift in timing and the cool, rainy conditions, our community showed up with enthusiasm and heart.
A total of 51 people attended, most bringing a friend or family member along for the event. Among them were four children with ostomies and about sixteen kids overall—proof that SUFO truly brings together participants of all ages.
Out of 48 online registrants, only seven were no-shows, and ten participants joined without pre-registering. Sixty event t-shirts were ordered, and with eleven left over, the team was thrilled by the turnout given the chilly fall weather.
Fundraising Highlights
Calgary hosted its first SUFO 50/50 raffle this year, which was a big success. The total pot reached $380, and the lucky winner, Leanne Whyte, generously donated $150 of her winnings back to our SUFO team.
On our JustGiving fundraising page, the Calgary SUFO team raised an impressive $2,940, supported by six team members. Special recognition goes to our top fundraisers:
- Lisa Gausman – $1,000
- Kaylee Janse – $400
- Megan Graven – $350
- Tiffany Shorson – $200
Community Support and Gratitude
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the day a success. Thanks go out to Tiffany Shorson, Deanna Desramaux, Pris Squibb, Kaylee and Phil Janse, Melodie Blair, Teri Bellfontaine, and Sharon and Gerald Sheen for their invaluable help with setup and takedown.
A big thank-you also goes to Melodie and her sister Teri for running the t-shirt and registration table, keeping everything organized and welcoming for attendees throughout the afternoon.
We also want to recognize the contributions of our supporters and sponsors. Special thanks to NanoTess, Coloplast, Hollister, and Melodie Blair for providing goodies and product samples that participants appreciated. Deanna and Sharon baked delicious cookies, and Leanne kept everyone warm by bringing hot chocolate—perfect for the cool fall day.
Our photographers, Pris Squibb and Tiffany Shorson, captured wonderful moments throughout the event, helping us preserve memories of another meaningful day of awareness, connection, and hope.
Proudly supported by:
Looking Back and Moving Forward
From 2022 to 2024, Calgary’s SUFO events were held in a hall, often alongside our local Ostomy Expo. This year, we returned to an outdoor setting for the first time since 2021—bringing the event back to its roots with a simple, community-focused walk surrounded by nature at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.
Even under gray skies, Calgary’s Step Up For Ostomy 2025 shone brightly with community spirit and compassion. The dedication shown by participants, volunteers, and donors underscores the resilience of our ostomy community.
Thank you to everyone who stepped up to raise awareness and funds this year. Together, we’re helping Canadians with ostomies live life to the fullest—one step at a time.
