Celebrating Our Members at the 2026 Members' Appreciation Luncheon
The Ostomy Halifax Members' Appreciation Luncheon brought members, volunteers, supporters, and special guests together for an afternoon of friendship, recognition, and celebration at the Brightwood Golf & Country Club. Members enjoyed a delicious lunch, outstanding service from the Brightwood staff, and the opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with friends old and new. Our sincere thanks go to Graham Owen, Vice President of Ostomy Halifax, for keeping the afternoon running smoothly. His warm, easy-going style and well-timed humour kept the program moving while making everyone feel welcome.
We were honoured to welcome our keynote speaker, Sharon Davis-Murdoch, C.M., an award winning social justice advocate, founding member, and Co-President of the Health Association of African Canadians. Sharon's presentation, "One Size Will Never Fit – A Better Future with Culturally Competent Care," encouraged us to reflect on the importance of culturally competent health care and the role we all play in creating a more inclusive health-care system.
We also welcomed Greg Cromwell from Coloplast Ostomy Care, who introduced members to Coloplast's newest innovation, the SenSura® Mio Black pouch and spoke about the importance of having choice in ostomy care. Although technical difficulties prevented Greg's slideshow and video from being shown during the luncheon, he has kindly shared his presentation as well as Victoria's inspiring story (video). Please click the link below to view his presentation and video.
A GIFT OF SUNFLOWERS (LANYARDS)
We are also grateful to Coloplast for sponsoring the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards, which were distributed during the luncheon. The Sunflower is a symbol that lets others know the wearer may have a hidden disability or medical condition and may appreciate a little extra understanding or assistance in public places.
OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!
A very special part of the afternoon was recognizing our dedicated volunteers whose commitment and service continue to strengthen Ostomy Halifax. Their dedication and generosity are at the heart of everything we do.
In recognition of their dedication and service, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to:
Lynn Atton
Patricia Hessian
Lesley Vreugdenhil
Pieter Vreugdenhil
As Lesley and Pieter prepare to begin an exciting new chapter and move away this summer, we extend our heartfelt thanks for everything they have contributed to Ostomy Halifax over the years. We wish them every happiness in their new adventure!
BURLEIGH WILE AWARD RECIPIENT
The Burleigh Wile Award was presented to Barbara Barrett in recognition of her remarkable 22 years of dedicated service as Correspondence Secretary, making her the longest-serving volunteer in the history of Ostomy Halifax. Barbara's unwavering commitment, countless volunteer hours, and dedication to supporting our members have left a lasting legacy within our organization. We were honoured to present her with this award and thank Ed Tummers for his heartfelt remarks as he presented Barbara with the Burleigh Wile Award.
SPECIAL GUESTS & SUPPORTERS
In addition to the volunteer recognition, we were honoured to welcome special guests, including Ed McHugh representing Men Who Care, along with Cindy and Alexa MacNeil from the Neely Dance & Fundraiser. Their continued generosity has helped strengthen Ostomy Halifax's peer support programs, monthly meetings, and outreach efforts for people living with an ostomy throughout our community. We are incredibly grateful to both Men Who Care and the Neely Dance and Fundraiser for choosing Ostomy Halifax as their beneficiary.
50/50 DRAW
The afternoon also included an exciting 50/50 draw, with one lucky winner taking home $310, adding a little extra excitement to an already memorable celebration.
THANK YOU & WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Our Members' Appreciation Luncheon is a celebration of the friendships, compassion, volunteer spirit, and resilience that define Ostomy Halifax. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and helped make this year's luncheon such a wonderful success.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our speakers, sponsors, supporters, and the staff at Brightwood Golf & Country Club for helping create such an enjoyable afternoon. We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's luncheon!
