Generous gift of $750,000 from the O’Sullivan Family inspires people to rally together against arthritis 

The gift will honour Arthritis Society Canada’s efforts as it marks its 75th anniversary this year.

Vancouver's O’Sullivan Family demonstrates its commitment to improving the health and well-being of people living with arthritis by making an inspirational $750,000 gift to Arthritis Society Canada during Arthritis Awareness Month. This gift is in honour of Arthritis Society Canada’s bold efforts and legacy as it marks its 75th Anniversary this year. 

This inspirational and generous matching gift will fuel research into innovation and programs supporting children and youth, while also serving as a powerful inspiration, unifying and rallying our community to join this ‘Double Your Impact’ campaign.

More Canadians report living with arthritis than diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined, yet it remains dramatically underfunded when compared to the toll it takes. It is the leading cause of disability and work limitations in Canada, costing the healthcare system $33 billion annually.

“As someone who has seen first-hand the devastating and debilitating impact of arthritis on my father and now personally, I know how serious arthritis really is and why it shouldn’t be dismissed as just arthritis,” says Peter O’Sullivan. “It’s robbed me of my ability to enjoy tennis and soccer – sports I have always loved dearly. Arthritis is an urgent health crisis, and we need to do something about it now to ensure our children and grandchildren don’t have to live with the burden and pain of this disease.”

Arthritis Society Canada has a bold dream of discovering a cure for arthritis, and that requires exponential growth in research funding. Donors like the O’Sullivan Family believe in our dream and are bringing the organization one step closer to a pain-free future.

“The O’Sullivan Family’s generosity shines through during a crucial time for people with arthritis, moving us closer to our bold mission: eradicating arthritis for countless fellow Canadians living with this debilitating chronic condition,” says Carleen Pauliuk, Vice President Western Canada, Arthritis Society Canada. “This generous donation is inspirational and will ignite others to amplify their impact through this matching gift opportunity.”  

About Arthritis 

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 Canadians (1:4 women and 1:6 men) and is a leading cause of disability. Most people, however, underestimate its seriousness. Arthritis causes excruciating pain, restricts mobility and diminishes quality of life. It impacts people of all ages, including children and more than half of people living with the disease are under age 65.  

About Arthritis Society Canada  

Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is Canada’s national health charity fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We represent the six million Canadians living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Without action now, the number of Canadians living with arthritis will grow to nine million by 2040. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.  

For more information or to arrange interviews:
Zehra Goawala
Arthritis Society Canada
416-668-4320
zgoawala@arthritis.ca

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