Honouring the Power of Giving Back: National Volunteer Week 

Volunnteers at the 2024 Gutsy Walk

This National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3), we proudly celebrate the volunteers whose time, energy, and passion create a lasting impact across the country. 

From courageous personal stories to bold acts of leadership, volunteers help build a stronger, more connected community for everyone affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Today—and every day—we say thank you. This dedication doesn’t just support lives—it transforms them. 

We’re also thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Volunteer Achievement Awards. Each award reflects the organization’s core values—Courageous, Inclusive, Authentic, and Collaborative. These remarkable individuals exemplify the very spirit of our Promise: to find the cures for Crohn’s and colitis and to improve the quality of life for all those affected. 

Be Gutsy Award Winner – Kaylie Voutier 
Be Intentional Award Winner – Cam Filipchuk 
Be Open Award Winner – Malcolm Mann 
Do, Together Award Winner – Jack Sandbrand 

Learn more about the Volunteer Achievement Awards and this year’s deserving recipients.

As National Volunteer Week is celebrated, so is every volunteer. The impact made reaches far beyond what’s visible, creating ripples of change, connection, and hope that carry forward into the future. 

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

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