Supporters

Our National Supporters »

Céline Dion

Superstar Céline Dion began promoting public awareness of cystic fibrosis in 1982, when, as an adolescent, she embarked on her singing career. Once referred to as la p’tite Québécoise, Céline was virtually unknown outside her native province of Quebec, until recent years when she attained international renown. Throughout Céline’s career, however, one element has remained constant — her commitment to the CF cause.

That commitment is marked by real life tragedy. Céline’s niece, Karine, died from the disease, at the age of 16, in her presence.

In August 1993, Céline strengthened her commitment by graciously accepting the Foundation’s invitation to be its national Celebrity Patron. As part of her increased involvement, Céline participated in the Foundation’s Canada-wide public awareness campaign, from 1994 to 1997. The central message of this campaign featuring Céline and Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a child with CF from Hull, Quebec, was one of both hope and urgency. Hope, that a cure or an effective control for cystic fibrosis will be found. Urgency, for continued public support is required to realize this goal.

In addition to promoting public awareness of the CF cause, Céline generates significant revenues for cystic fibrosis research and treatment from Canadian and international sources, and has generously donated to the Foundation her appearance fees from several concerts and guest appearances. In 1996, Céline helped the Foundation to secure an important new sponsorship with Royal Airlines.

There is no doubt that Céline’s immense popularity, both in Canada and internationally, will continue to benefit the CF cause. As her songs reach a wider audience all over the world, she is now in a position to appeal to the generosity of a greater number of people. Each year and each step of her involvement have brought us closer to victory against cystic fibrosis.

Zellers

The management and employees of Zellers have made a real difference in the lives of the thousands of Canadians who live with cystic fibrosis. Zellers’ relationship with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began in 1985, when Dr. Claude Roy, Chairman of the Foundation’s Medical/Scientific Advisory Committee, asked if small collection bubbles could be placed at the checkout counters in Zellers’ stores. The bubbles raised $80,000.

But the next year, when the President of Zellers was asked if the Foundation could place collection bubbles in Zellers’ stores for a second year, he responded, "it’s not enough"... and Zellers’ annual walkathon for CF was born.

In 1986, Zellers associates from coast to coast organized walks in communities across the country on the last Sunday in May. Collectively, the events raised over $530,000 for CF research and treatment - a significant achievement! And, since then, there has been no looking back.

The walkathon, recently renamed the Zellers Friends of the Family Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, has become the signature event of the Zellers-CCFF partnership, celebrating the difference volunteers can make, and raising vital funds to help find a cure or an effective control for CF.

In 2005, with much help and support from our friends at Hbc, the Zellers Friends of the Family Walk for Cystic Fibrosis was recreated and the Great Strides Walk was born. The Great Strides Walk is now a North American fundraising event, with over 550 Great Strides™ events in the U.S., and 40 within Canada.

Kinsmen & Kinettes

Kinsmen & Kinette Clubs of Canada is the country’s largest all-Canadian service organization. Founded in 1920, its members are active community volunteers. Approximately 700 Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin Clubs across Canada support CF research and fund other local projects. The clubs also offer their members opportunities to grow, learn, make friends and have fun.

Since 1964, Kinsmen and Kinettes across the country have contributed over $30 million towards cystic fibrosis research and treatment. Thank you to Kinsmen and Kinettes for everything they have done to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis—we look forward to continuing our work together to find a cure for this terrible disease.

ADVOCIS

In September 2002, members of the Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CAIFA) and the Canadian Association of Financial Planners (CAFP) voted in favour of merging their two groups to create ADVOCIS, Canada’s largest association of professional financial advisors, with members in 50 Chapters across the country. Advocis members provide their clients with a variety of financial services, including financial planning, estate planning, tax preparation, tax planning, and consultation on employee group benefits, pensions and retirement plans.

Since 1985, ADVOCIS members have been helping to save the lives of young Canadians with cystic fibrosis by raising funds and generating public awareness. They have raised over $3 million for CF through a variety of fundraising projects, such as Santa Sock raffles, golf tournaments, poor boy luncheons, 50/50 draws and many other activities.

CARSTAR

CARSTAR is Canada’s largest network of quality collision repair franchises and is the title sponsor for the FRIGHTLITES® campaign. CARSTAR has chosen to support cystic fibrosis for two very special reasons. First, CARSTAR has friends and family affected by the disease and has seen the impact CF can have on the life of a child. Second, CARSTAR wants to be part of the team that helps find the cure for cystic fibrosis.

Our Provincial Supporters »

Mac’s Convenience Stores Inc.

Mac’s Conveniece Stores Inc. has chosen cystic fibrosis as its charity of choice. Mac’s Charity Board reviewed multiple charitable partners and in 2002 selected the CCFF as its main beneficiary of fundraising and sponsorship dollars. Members of the Foundation are very excited that Mac’s has chosen the CCFF as its newest charitable partner and we look forward to working with Mac’s in the upcoming years. We thank Mac’s wholeheartedly for its support.

Our Chapter Supporters »

Siemens Canada

For the last twelve years, Siemens Canada have hosted Corporate Charity Golf Tournaments and raised a remarkable $725,000 for cystic fibrosis research. With partners like Siemens on our team, we will one day find a cure.

Robbie International

In 1967, a group of soccer enthusiasts met to plan a boy’s tournament. From upstairs, they heard 3 year old Robbie Wimbs receiving treatment for CF. Then and there they decided to dedicate their tournament, not just to soccer, but to fighting cystic fibrosis. "The Robbie" was born. Since its creation, the Robbie has raised an outstanding $1,000,000 for charities.

System 4 Productions

System 4 Productions have supported the Toronto & District Chapter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for over 10 years. They generously donate their time and photographic services to our fundraising events.

Federated Health

Federated Health began in 1983, when members of the Ontario Public Service created an internal, workplace campaign to benefit health charities and to raise awareness of health issues. Federated Health Charities are governed by representatives from the 15 member charities. Fundraising campaigns are organized by the various Ministries/Agencies of the Ontario Public Service. The focus is on employee canvas for payroll deductions but other fun fundraising events are held - bake sales, chocolates sales, Wonderland tickets, invited vendors for example. The Federated Health campaign starts in June.

If you can help staff our CF booth at one of the Health fairs, please email: cmccarthy@ccfftoronto.ca