CHRISTMAS LUNCH: Sunday afternoon, Nov. 30th at the Norwood Hotel was a time of great fun, food, fellowship, laughter and entertainment. More than 80 members, families and friends attended. Mike Leverick was congratulated and presented with an award for Unsung Hero for 2008 and Dave Page received a certificate of thanks for serving on the UOAC Board of Directors for 2 years. Table games were prepared by Lena Koop and family to get members mixing. A sumptuous buffet, prepared and served by the wonderful hotel staff, satisfied everyone's appetites. Thanks to Rosemary who found "a gem" of an entertainer. Kim Wilson, illusionist extraordinaire, "played to the crowd" and had everyone laughing at his humour and magical skills. The members out did themselves this year in creating great baskets and combinations for the silent auction table. Our younger members, Zerlina and Maureen handled the silent auction with great audacity and humour as they worked back and forth on the mikes, making sure that the prizes reached their intended recipients. Sam Knacker played a few melodies on his harmonica and then he played "Silent Night" in a very solemn and fitting end to a wonderful day.
Now, on to upcoming events.
FUNDRAISING SOCIAL: The members have decided to hold a social in the spring (time still to be determined) to ensure that our young camper, Jayden, will be off to camp once more. Keep an eye out in the next newsletter for information on how you might be able to participate to make this a great success.
WORLD OSTOMY DAY (WOD) happens every three years. "The purpose of WOD is to improve the rehabilitation of Ostomates worldwide by bringing to the attention of the general community and the global community the needs and aspirations of Ostomates and their families." Our Chapter won ConvaTec's first prize in Canada for the barbeque that we held at Assiniboine Park in 2006. WOD 2009 will be celebrated on October 3, 2009. We aim to put our best foot forward once again and we will need your ideas and participation to make it happen. Three years ago, we made many friends because of this event, reached out to new members and had a great time while doing it. This is a wonderful opportunity to help our Chapter grow!
The World Ostomy Day Photo Contest. As part of WOD 2009 there will also be an International photographic competition sponsored by Hollister. The theme of this competition is to indicate that having a Stoma does not stop Ostomates leading a full and active life. For example, families on vacation, during work, sporting activities, spending time with children/grandchildren, volunteering in community organizations. There will be 20 winners for this competition from all parts of the world. I can see us all getting really involved with this.
Reasons to keep the Fourth Wednesday of the month free.
Our monthly Chapter meetings have ETs in attendance who will answer your questions or concerns. There will be times to meet with other ostomates and compare notes over coffee. We have a lending library. Zerlina & Barb have a table with their "undies" on display. The business part of our meeting is done quickly and painlessly followed by fun times, discussions, speakers, manufacturers' presentations, rap sessions, or whatever members might want to be involved in.
Helmut Friesen and his team keep very busy picking up unused supplies to be sent to the Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada (FOWC) depot in Ontario. Once there, these supplies are prepared to be sent to ostomates in Third World countries where supplies are just not available. Our very valuable trained visitors continue to go out when requested to speak to patients following their surgery.
We're looking forward to seeing all you regulars back this year. If you've haven't been to a meeting - don't be shy. Check us out. We'd love to meet you.
Cheers,
Lorrie
