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OUR MISSION,
HISTORY AND WORK

MISSION & HISTORY.

We are on a mission to provide vital ostomy supplies to those in need throughout developing and war-torn countries, restoring the dignity of ostomates and improving their quality of life.

 

We aspire to create a more inclusive and empowered world for ostomates by bridging healthcare gaps and fostering resilience.

A LONG HISTORY OF IMPACT.

Friends of Ostomates Worldwide (Canada) (FOWC) was founded in 1986 out of the desire to address the healthcare disparities faced by ostomates in developing and war-torn countries.

 

For nearly 40 years we have worked tirelessly to bridge the gap in access to ostomy supplies by partnering with ostomy associations, healthcare providers, and in unique cases, ostomates directly, in over 50 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central/South America to help improve the lives of ostomates.

OUR TEAM

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

FOWC is an entirely volunteer-run organization, led by our dedicated and expert Board of Directors – each member bringing unique perspective and experience to our work.

 

Together, the board remains committed to ensuring our mission remains focused and that we can ship as many quality supplies as possible each year to those who need them most.

Lorne Aronson

President

Ontario

Former President - United Ostomy Association of Canada (now Ostomy Canada)

Joel Goldenberg

Director

Quebec

President - Premier Ostomy Centre, Montreal (QC)

Peter Folk

Director

Saskatchewan

Former President - Ostomy Canada Society; OCS Maple Leaf Award recipient

John Molnar

Vice President

Ontario

President - Niagara Ostomy Association

Kim Plewes

Director

Ontario

Philanthropy advisor and past major gifts fundraiser

Richard Olley

Director

Ontario

President - Ostomy Canada Society - Halton/Peel (ON) Peer Support Group.  P. Eng. (retired) 

Tanya Schmitt

Treasurer

Ontario

Entrepreneur; Former Finance Executive; Social Impact Champion

Pat Cimmeck

Director

Alberta

President - Calgary Ostomy Society; Former President UOAC and IOA - NACOA region

OUR MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS & SUPPORTERS.

While our board plays an instrumental role in our work, our success comes in large part from our members and volunteers. Individuals who donate more than $30 per year can become active voting members of the organization. Your membership isn’t just a commitment; it’s a declaration of solidarity with ostomates worldwide. If you would like to become a member, email info@fowc.ca

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We are grateful for the dozens of dedicated volunteers from coast to coast to coast who continue to source supplies, pack up shipments, and raise awareness about FOWC’s important work.

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