gilda`s club simcoe muskoka

Welcome to
GILDA’S CLUB
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PG 2
PG 2
PG 3
PG 4
Did You Know?
Our Program
Volunteer
Beyond the
Red Door
COME
ON IN!
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
WELCOME TO GILDA’S CLUB SIMCOE MUSKOKA
We would like to welcome you to a community of FREE support where
everyone living with cancer (men, women, youth and children), along with their
families and friends can find laughter, inspiration and everything in between!
Gilda’s Club provides a welcoming, non-residential home like environment
where everyone can learn how to live with cancer, whatever the outcome.
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka serves all of Simcoe County, Muskoka - Parry
Sound, Grey Bruce and Dufferin Counties. The clubhouse is located adjacent
to the future Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, and Rotary Lodge which
will provide overnight accommodation for those living outside of a 40 km
radius and receiving treatment. For more information on our Program
or how to get involved please see pages 2 and 3 or visit our website at
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
Gilda’s Club is named in honour of Gilda Radner, an original member
of the Saturday Night Live cast whose dream was to create a community
for people with cancer, their families and friends where they could engage
in life-enriching activities, find inspiration, laughter and a time tears, where
everyone could share the wisdom of experience while learning strategies for
living with cancer. Gilda once said that cancer gave her “membership to an elite
club I’d rather not belong to” which is where the name “Gilda’s Club” originated.
The first Gilda’s Club was launched in New York in 1995 by co-founder
Joanna Bull (along with Gene Wilder and Joel Siegel). In November 2009,
The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide unified as the
Cancer Support Community becoming the largest employer of psychosocial
oncology mental health professionals providing support to all people affected
by cancer. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization includes a
network of nearly 50 local Gilda’s Clubs and Wellness Community centers
worldwide, more than 100 satellite locations and online support services
that extend around the world but only two operational Gilda’s Club in
Canada - Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka and Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Just a few years ago, Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka was the hope and dream of a group of committed people
sitting around a kitchen table, born out of the recognition that people living with cancer also need social and emotional support as
a complement to the medical treatment they receive. Because of their dedication, Gilda’s Club has evolved from a dream into a reality.
Since 2001, Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka has been on an exciting journey leading up
to the Grand Opening of our signature Red Door. Thus far, we have:
Recruited top medical professionals
to join our Medical Resource Council
Received affiliate status with
Gilda’s Club Worldwide
2001
Recruited a dedicated Board of Directors made
up of leading members of the community
SNAP Barrie | November 2010
Initialed a Capital Campaign to raise $3.6
million to build Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka
2003
Gained
charitable status
2009
May - Opened our signature
Red Door
2010
April - Broke ground for our new clubhouse - Raised $3.6 million
dollars in cash and in-kind donations for the capital campaign
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
To date over 400 visits
through the Red Door
PRESENT
September - Our official
Grand Opening
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka | Vol.1 No.1
“I think in the beginning when I first got to Gilda’s Club I thought I
and I was living like I was dying. And now I’m LIVING
so that’s what’s so wonderful about Gilda’s Club. It gives y
–G
“I’M HONOURED TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS
UNIQUE COMMUNITY. It brings tears to my eyes to think
that people care enough to give of themselves so generously to help
people struggling with the devastating diagnosis of cancer. It is very
timely for me to have Gilda’s to turn to. It is my soft place to land. It
is my haven from the harsh realities of life. It's the place where I can
rally with my sisters and brothers. It’s a place where the staff, who
have so carefully been chosen, treat us with compassion, kindness and
respect. They get it! It's a place where I get strength and hope and can
hopefully pass it on to others. It's a place where I can forget for a few
moments that I have metastatic cancer because we have so much fun...”
– Gilda’s Club Member
SOCIAL EVENTS
Having members and families come together for fun creates special bonds that
enhance other individual and group experiences. Such events may include:
The Gilda’s Experience
Not clinical. Community. Laughter. Tears. All ages.
WHAT DOES GILDA’S CLUB OFFER
TO MEMBERS?
At Gilda’s Club you are not a patient or client, you are a member and this is your
clubhouse. As each cancer-related experience is unique, members are encouraged
to “come as they are.” Whatever the outcome, Gilda’s Club empowers our members
to regain control of their lives, broaden their social connections, build friendships
and benefit from accessible resources. Fundamental to the Gilda’s Club
philosophy is that membership is completely FREE of charge.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fundamental to the Gilda’s Club philosophy is that membership is completely
free of charge, and that the clubhouse environment is warm, welcoming
and non-institutional.
» Based on current incidence rates, 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men
will develop cancer during their lifetime. (*Canadian Cancer Society Statistics 2009)
» An estimated 173,800 new cases of cancer will occur in Canada in 2010.
(*Canadian Cancer Society Statistics 2010)
» A large number of Canadians live with the effects of cancer, require repeated
active treatment and have a continuing need for cancer care resources and
support services. (*Canadian Cancer Society Statistics 2009)
In providing support to these individuals, we must also remember that cancer
impacts not only them as patient, but also their family and friends...
It is for this reason that at Gilda’s Club we call
everyone a member.
FREE
SUPPOR
T
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka | Vol.1 No.1
Our Program
» Potluck Suppers
» Jokefest
» Noogiefest
» Line Dancing
» Holiday Party
» “My Way” Membership talent night
» Music and Dance Performances
» Movie and Video Nights
» Karaoke Night
» Gilda’s Club Birthday Party
NOOGIELAND
Noogieland is a special place that offers children a wide range of activities geared
just to them. Offering a number of social events including Noogiefest, an annual
Halloween party for children, their family and friends; Noogie Nights - special
supervised play hours for children whose parents are attending activities in
the clubhouse as well as craft time, story time, puppetry and more.
LECTURES & WORKSHOPS
Are interactive and bring members together to build community and increase
mutual support, social and emotional control and well-being. Topics may include:
» Meditation
» Relaxation
» Yoga
» Humour
» Belly Dancing
» Scrapbooking
» Knitting Circle
» Managing Pain
» Ask the Doctor/Nurse
» Tired of Feeling Tired
» Art/Ceramics
» Cooking for Cancer
» Dance/Exercise
» Current Cancer Treatments
» Cancer as a Catalyst for Change
SUPPORT & NETWORKING GROUPS
Provide ongoing shared exploration of emotional and social issues related to
living with cancer and an opportunity to explore deeper individual and common
issues. For more information on our available support and networking groups
please contact our Program staff at 705-726-5199 or visit our website.
CUSTOMIZED MEMBERSHIP PLAN (CMP)
For all prospective members of Gilda’s Club, membership starts with a CMP.
This one-hour, one-on-one collaborative discussion with a Program staff member
allows for the development of a personal and unique plan that incorporates the
parts of the Gilda’s Club Program best serving the individual’s needs and interests.
It is Customized... because you are an individual.
It is Membership... because you are not alone.
It is a Plan... because choices about your needs
are taken seriously.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
We would love to have you attend a new member meeting. Check our online
Program calendar or contact our Program staff today at 705-726-5199 for
more information.
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
SNAP Barrie | November 2010
I was dying,
G,
you hope.”
Gilda’s Club Member
“THER
E
WHO NEARE THOSE WHO
VE
THEY ARR THINK TWICEOPEN THEIR HEA
E
R
A
WHO MATHE WONDERFUBOUT GIVING OTS TO OTHERS…
F
L
KE ALL T
HE DIFFEWARMHEARTEDTHEMSELVES
RENCE IN
P
OUR LIVEOPLE
ES”
“LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF... I am the GG
(Gardener General) of Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. This summer I
put on a Red Door, red baseball cap and headed into the impenetrable
tangle of weeds that were choking the gardens around the Club.
Everything about Gilda’s Club is welcoming, kind and soothing,
except the weeds.
Thus from early July until the end of the summer, I took on the task
of making the gardens presentable and welcoming for the members
of the Club. Each time I volunteered at Gilda’s Club I was greeted
with enthusiasm, and felt that my small contribution mattered.
Needless to say, I quickly felt as though I had found somewhere
extremely valuable to spend my time.
When I told my friends about my work over the summer, many
of them would ask what motivated me to volunteer at Gilda’s Club.
Having watched both of my grandparents fight fiercely against cancer
just a few years ago, I knew that a clubhouse to support people with
cancer was an ideal place for me to volunteer.
The staff and members that I met at
Gilda’s
Club were wonderful, funny
Gil
and
an vibrant people. They made me feel
my volunteer work was a worthwhile
endeavour,
even though I know it was
en
a very small contribution of what is
required
to keep the Club running.
re
The
Th weeds may soon be buried in snow,
but
b there are many other volunteer
opportunities
at Gilda’s Club that I
op
plan
to pursue, as long as I can wear
p
my
m bright red ball cap every time
I walk through the Red Door.”
Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential and highly-valued part of the Gilda’s Club community.
We could not function without their energy, skills, enthusiasm and laughter!
There are many ways to volunteer at Gilda’s Club – whether you are greeting
all those entering through our signature Red door, leading a yoga class, working
on a fundraising committee or just chatting with a member, our volunteers create
all that is Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka! We value our volunteers as partners and
by giving us the gift of your time and resources you can demonstrate your values,
honour those in your own life who have been touched by cancer, and know that
you are helping people in your own community in a real and practical way.
Become a Volunteer
For more information on volunteering or to learn more about our program,
please contact Susan Haiplik, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator
at 705-726-5199 or fill out an application at www.gildasclubbarrie.org
– James-Evan Boyce, 17 years old
Thank You to Our Supporters
Gilda’s Club would like to thank everyone
who has made donations to Gilda’s Club
over the years. Your generosity has helped
us make this dream a reality.
Your Photo Here!
SNAP Barrie | November 2010
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka | Vol.1 No.1
“Gilda’s Club has helped me
integrate cancer into my life,
so it’s a part of me, but not all of me.”
“REAC
– Gilda’s Club Member
H NTO Y
OUR
POCKETI…
OR
PERSON’
S BESIDETHE
YOU”
Beyond the Red Door
With our Capital campaign complete we are now focusing on our Program
and ensuring that our Red Door stays open for those who need our support.
With an estimated annual operational budget of over $600,000 and no regular
Government funding, Gilda’s Club relies on the generosity of individuals,
businesses, corporations, organizations and foundations who also believe that
social and emotional support is essential to complete the circle of cancer care.
If you are interested in helping us keep our Red Door open, please make a
donation using the form below or visit our website at www.gildasclubbarrie.org
Be a part of the excitement of providing social and emotional support for those
living with, and affected by cancer closer to home. Your contribution is greatly
appreciated and will be well used. As Gilda Radner said,
“No one should face cancer alone.”
I TAKES SO LITTLE TO
IT
MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
M
D you know that a gift of $50 a month pays for paint
Did
aand craft supplies for all the children using Noogieland?
Y
You can put a smile back on a child’s face!
A small donation of $10 a month will provide snacks for a weekly support
meeting for a breast cancer group, or a prostate cancer group, or a group
of parents coping with the death of a child.
In this time of cash crunches, job losses and stock
market uncertainty, cancer will not take a break.
Yes! I want to make a monthly gift to GILDA’S CLUB SIMCOE MUSKOKA
❑ $10
❑ $25
❑ $50
Or, here is my one time gift of $
I want to contribute with:
❑ M/C
Other Ways You Can Help
Gilda’s Club is looking for people who are willing to use their time and
talents to plan and host their own Special Event for Gilda’s Club. You can do
this together with your network of neighbourhood and community groups,
co-workers, family and friends. It’s a great way to have fun and support
Gilda’s Club at the same time! If you need some suggestions, please see the
list below. No event is too big or too small. Everyone’s efforts are appreciated
and, of course, help us to maintain our Program free of charge for our members.
WEAR RED TO RAISE MORE GREEN
Dress down for a cause
❑ other $
FROM TRASH TO TREASURE (AND CASH)
Organize a neighborhood garage sale
❑ VISA
Expiry:
GET KIDS INVOLVED
/
Get your community youth group or scout troop involved with a bottle drive,
for example. It's never too early to teach children about philanthropy.
Name on Card:
Signature:
HAVE AN IDEA OF YOUR OWN?
A tax receipt will be issued yearly.
Call Gilda’s Club at 705-726-5199 and tell us about it. Ask for Tanya.
We’d love to help you help our members.
Mailing Address:
Phone:
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka puts the Fun
in Fundraising!
Email:
Please send to:
GILDA’S CLUB SIMCOE MUSKOKA
10 Quarry Ridge Road
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1
Tel: 705-726-5199 Fax: 705-726-7101
Email: admin@gildasclubbarrie.org
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
Thank you for your generous support!
Donor recognition consent: Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka would like to acknowledge and thank donors
in our annual report and on our website. If you consent to having your name publicly recognized, there is
no need to contact us, unless you would like to change the way your name is listed. If that is the case,
please complete the form below and mail it to us.
❑ I am happy to be listed as a donor in the Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka Annual Report and on the website.
Please list my name/our names as follows:
Meet the Team
James Thomson, Executive Director
Cathy Charlton, Operations Manager
Stephanie Knight, Director of Development
Kristen Dawson, Program Director
Susan Haiplik, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator
Ann Martin, Program Coordinator
Tanya Prinsep, Fundraising and Events Coordinator
Carolyn Weaver, Communications and Administrative Coordinator
❑ I prefer to remain anonymous.
CONTACT US
Our commitment to you: We would like to keep you informed about our activities – programs, funding
needs and special events – through periodic letters, newsletters and invitations. We respect your privacy.
We protect your personal information and adhere to all legislative requirements with respect to privacy.
If you do not wish to receive any information from Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka please contact us at
705-726-1599 or admin@gildasclubbarrie.org and we will gladly accommodate your request. Gilda’s Club
Simcoe Muskoka respects your privacy and will not sell or trade your information.
400
Gallie Ct
H
Royal Victoria
Hospital
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka | Vol.1 No.1
10 Quarry Ridge Rd, Barrie 705-726-5199
admin@gildasclubbarrie.org
Georgian Dr
www.gildasclubbarrie.org
Clubhouse Hours
Quarry Ridg
e Rd
Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9am-4pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 9am-9pm
Selected Saturdays: 9am-1pm
SNAP Barrie | November 2010