My niece was diagnosed with arthritis as a toddler. I have watched her manoeuvre through her life and arthritis journey with medication, pain and daily limiting struggles. She has faced this challenge her entire life, but it has never stopped her from succeeding, moving forward and having an active family. It’s because of her, and other family members who live with arthritis, that I’m proud to volunteer with the Arthritis Society.
I became involved with the Arthritis Society in 2013, because it’s an organization that can truly affect the lives of people living with this disease. The main way I give back is as a committee member for a signature fundraising event called the Celebrity Roast. It’s a highly recognized annual event in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a 28-year history. It’s one of the few local events that continues to resonate in the community, which is phenomenal.
Each year, we roast a different well-known business and/or community leader. We have a small but mighty core committee, which is supplemented every year by new members who know the person being recognized. Given my background in the hospitality industry, I’m always thinking of new concepts for the event to generate revenue and continue to make the event one that people want to attend year after year. The roast really raises the profile of people with arthritis and awareness for the disease itself and raises critical funds to help local programming.
Through my volunteer experience, it’s clear that the Arthritis Society provides help and hope for a better future for so many people suffering from this disease. I’m glad I can play a small part in this by giving my time.