Dear Friends,
For my fall update, I wanted to share news about our strategic planning process that began almost a year ago. Our process was comprehensive and collaborative, considering input from many. Thanks to everyone who brought their perspective and insight to this important journey.
Through it we learned that:
- research continues to be a priority along with programs and services that benefit people today;
- our community wants us to accelerate the translation of research discovery into tangible benefits, and we need to better communicate the impact of our work;
- there is a desire for us to be bolder in our marketing;
- volunteers want to engage in new ways; and
- we need to broaden and diversify our reach.
Our 2023-26 impact strategy builds on this input and a steadfast Promise: to find the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by these diseases. Our strategy includes a series of connected objectives and values that guide our work. Our mission objectives represent what we do through four key areas of focus that have been important to us for years now – research, programs, advocacy, and awareness. Our enabling objectives represent how we achieve our mission: our fundraising, our digital approach, our engagement of volunteers and staff, and our efforts to be inclusive. Each objective is focused on delivering impact – positive outcomes for people living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
We are not in this alone. With a vast ecosystem of experts, organizations, and supporters that contribute towards fulfilling our Promise, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has an opportunity to convene and lead collaborative efforts. We have included a collective impact goal in our strategy relating to quality of life, and we will be accountable for measuring and reporting on results.
We are very excited about what’s ahead. As always, thank you for everything you do as part of the Crohn’s and colitis community. We look forward to engaging and updating you on this journey.
Lori Radke
President & CEO
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Vital funding provided to advance research
Committed to advancing discovery, translational and clinical research that supports the 300,000 Canadians living with Crohn’s or colitis, $3.15 million in new research grants have been awarded through our Grants-in-Aid of Research competition to eleven principal investigators and their teams.
Scholarships help 15 students with their academic ambitions
Back to school can be difficult when you live with a chronic disease. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is pleased to provide 15 inspiring students with an AbbVie IBD Scholarship grant to help off-set costs. One deserving recipient was also awarded the Clinton Shard Memorial grant. Clinton was an inaugural grant recipient in 2012 who made significant contributions to the IBD community and those around him, and peacefully passed away in 2022.
New Frontiers
Join us as we head into new territories of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research at the New Frontiers event at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. On Thursday, November 3, five esteemed researchers will pitch the potential impact of their research to a panel of judges as well as everyone in the room. What’s at stake? $100,000 in additional funding. Combine that with cocktails, great food, and networking and you have an unforgettable night where you know you are making a difference...and seeing the new frontiers of IBD research right in front of you.