Once again it was a privilege to be the delegate from the Winnipeg Ostomy Association at the National Council meetings of the United Ostomy Association of Canada this past August in Halifax. Much was accomplished; a new executive and board of directors elected, financial statements and general business discussed, plans developed for the future. I left the National Council meeting knowing that our national association is in good hands.
The conference itself was a whirlwind of activity. I was in Halifax for five days attending presentations from various speakers, workshops regarding chapter happenings and a number of social events. On the Wednesday evening, the conference started with a bang, a Cape Breton Kitchen Party (somewhat of a misnomer, it was held in the hotel pub) a conga dance snaked its way through the room and we were entertained by a musical group from Cape Breton; a great way to start the conference. Other social activities included the Renaissance Banquet sponsored by ConvaTec, a Lobster supper at Peggy’s Cove, and the Closing Banquet and Dance.
Through all of this and perhaps the most important for me, was to meet and talk to other ostomates from across Canada, sometimes in groups but more often on a one to one basis, both people I have met at past conferences and those I met for the first time. I was able to share personal experiences as an ostomate and also to share chapter experiences.
As always, one of the biggest highlights was the Exhibit Hall, ConvaTec, Hollister and Coloplast each had representatives displaying and explaining the in newest developments in Ostomy supplies.
Among other booths was one on the Ostomy Youth Camp. I was able to see a couple of pictures of Kristin Matichuk of Atikokan, the thirteen year old we sponsored to camp this summer. Next year’s conference organizing committee from Saskatoon were quite busy inviting all to join them at the Hotel Bessburough next August for the 6th annual UOAC conference, which will include a golf tournament.
A special guest, Heinz Wolfe of Israel, President of the International Ostomy Association was with us for part of the conference and the National Council Meeting. He acted as the scrutineer at the election of the executive and Board of Directors.
Rosemary Gaffray and I were the only members of the WOA at the conference this year, next year with the conference in Saskatoon I would hope a good number of our chapter members will attend.
Now with September upon us, our chapter’s activities move into high gear. This past August 30th marked the thirtieth anniversary of the issuance of letters patent creating the Winnipeg Ostomy Association. We will commemorate that at the September chapter meeting. A special guest at that meeting will be Sheelah Zapf of Edmonton. Long active in ostomy affairs, Sheelah is currently President of the Edmonton Ostomy Association, and is District Services Representative, Prairie Region, UOAC. In 1992, Sheelah served as the Founding President of the United Ostomy Association of Canada.
World Ostomy Day will be celebrated on October 5th; plans are in the works to have a display in one of our shopping malls. Visitor training is scheduled for October 26, this year at the St. Boniface Hospital.
In addition, as a member of the SMD Clearinghouse, we are involved in regular monthly meetings, an annual general meeting in October, and a day long strategic planning meeting in October.
One must not forget our own Christmas Party in December.
That’s it for now. See you at the Chapter Meeting on September 25th.
Dave Page
President.
