Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is looking for three or four volunteers from the Battlefords area to help organize a family day at Centennial Park on June 5 as the Battlefords host their first Gutsy Walk.
Gutsy Walk (www.gutsywalk.ca) is Crohn’s and Colitis Canada's annual national fundraising walk.
"Our goal this year is $3.5 million across Canada," says Carol-Lynne Quintin, development coordinator for Saskatchewan. "There are five other Saskatchewan walks – Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Yorkton and Swift Current, also new this year."
Quintin says the goal for the Battlefords’ Gutsy Walk is to raise $5,000 in the community.
The event is free to register for and free to attend. All who raise over $100 will receive a walk t-shirt in addition to any other prizing.
"We are looking for people to help put up posters for the event and encourage fundraising, coordinate a BBQ or other refreshments for June 5, map out and put signage out for a five km route at Centennial, maybe have some kids’ games or entertainment and to work registration on event day including being responsible for cash/cheques and making a night deposit." says Quintin.
Other opportunities may come up depending on how large the walk grows, such as media liaison and corporate team recruitment. There are pre-event webinars available for training and Quintin says she is also available for support.
"We are proud to be able to say that 77 per cent of all dollars raised across all events goes to research, patient support, advocacy and education (our mission). Administration and volunteers accounts for the remaining 23 per cent, which is one of the best ratios in Canada," says Quintin.
There are over 8,000 people in Saskatchewan living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases make it difficult to work, attend school (all ages), and socialize. In addition, the fastest growing rate of diagnosis is in kids under 10, and Saskatchewan currently has no pediatric gastroenterologist, which means all patients under 18 must travel to Alberta or Manitoba for consults and surgeries.
Quinton says, "We are working hard to bring awareness to a disease that many people have trouble talking about."
People interesting in volunteering for the Battlefords Gutsy Walk may contact Carol-Lynne Quintin at 1-844-664-4420 or at [email protected].
