National Council
As the number of people affected by arthritis continues to grow at an alarming rate, there’s greater urgency to raise critical funds to support the Arthritis Society’s mission. We are grateful that 21 of Canada’s brightest minds and dedicated arthritis ambassadors have joined our National Council and made the Arthritis Society their charity of choice.
The National Council launched in 2020 to advise on and actively engage in fundraising efforts for the Arthritis Society. Chaired by Andrew Branion, the Council is building important relationships with new and long-time donors, with passion and determination to champion the resilient spirit of those living with arthritis.
The impact of arthritis can’t be overstated. The Arthritis Society is committed to advancing arthritis care and research, and the strategic leadership and counsel of these dedicated executive volunteers enables us to do just that.
Firas Abu Saleh
Sulemaan Ahmed
Trish Barbato
Ashleigh Brown
Alison Coville
Julie Cowan
Jennifer Evans
Diana Gazdar
Martha Harrison
Gilles Lavasseur
Simon Lemay
Nadia Malik
Keith Nugara
Melanie Philip
Mark Sack
Dr. Kam Shojania
Jennifer Stewart
Kanish A. Thevarasa, CPA, CA, CMA
Interested in getting involved in the National Council? Contact Jennifer Stewart at jstewart@arthritis.ca.
Thank You to Our Executive Fundraising Volunteers
Our work would not be possible without the expertise and support of our 71 executive fundraising volunteers who bring immeasurable value to our fundraising efforts through their contributions to our committees. In addition to the National Council, we thank members of the Innovation Fund Committee; Creative Council, chaired by Ted Ellis; All-In for Arthritis Committee, chaired by James Morrison; committee for the Celebrity Roast featuring Don and Jim Mills; and the Arthritis Fire BallTM, co-chaired by Anny Nasser and Sikin Kassum-Dharamshi. Thank you for dedicating your time and talents to fighting the fire of arthritis.
Jennifer C. Stewart, CFRE
Chief Development Officer, Arthritis Society
“Arthritis is not just a disease of older people, and not just a simple disease of swollen joints. Your entire body is affected and challenged with internal medicine issues. Research and innovation can make the journey and quality of life with arthritis tolerable and minimize the potential for disability or life-altering side effects. The Arthritis Society offers a lot of programs, including Arthritis Talks webinars, videos, online information, support programs and the Arthritis Line. These efforts are very worthy of support and critical for both young and older people battling this fire every day.”
~ Mark Sack, diagnosed with arthritis in 1974 at age 13 and involved with the Arthritis Society since 1977 as a regular donor and now as a member of the National Council