Formed in 1979 and originally called
the “Grande Prairie/Peace District Ostomy Association”, our
Chapter was affiliated with the United Ostomy Association. This
association was comprised of chapters and satellites throughout North
America.
To meet the growing needs of Chapters and their satellites in
Canada, UOA Canada Inc. (United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc.) was
established in 1997. The Peace District Ostomy Association became a
registered society in 2002.
Our Chapter has begun a special project for children with ostomates
after being introduced to “Shadow Buddies” (see separate listing
for details) at the 2nd Annual UOA Canada Conference held in Edmonton
in 1999. Shadow Buddy publicity in the local newspaper in 2001
resulted in an interview with CBC Radio Calgary.
After submitting an application in 2000 to Volnet Services-Industry
Canada for non-profit organizations, our Chapter received partial
funding for a computer with one year free internet connection and
training.
A grant from the Mistahia Action Grant System (MAGS) in the same
year resulted in our Chapter holding its first “Visitor Training
Session”, purchase of a portable library cart complete with books,
videos, pamphlets and magazines, and publication of our first Chapter
brochure.
October 3rd, 2000, Grande Prairie celebrated World Ostomy Day with
a proclamation from the Mayor and publicity notices distributed
throughout the city.
The 2002 MAGS Grant project, “Ostomy Outreach 2002”, will
herald a second “Visitor Training Session”, purchase of peripheral
hardware (office desk, scanner, printer, copier and a digital camera)
as well as establishment of this Web Site and an updated Chapter
brochure.
The Peace District Ostomy Association looks forward to serving the
Peace District Community and strives to be of support, assistance and
reassurance whenever possible.
