The BC & Yukon Chapter of The Children's Wish Foundation Welcomes Five New Members to Their Chapter Advisory Board

VANCOUVER, June 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Following the strongest year in their organizational history, the staff and Chapter Advisory Board of the BC & Yukon Chapter of The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada would like to extend an enthusiastic welcome to five new volunteer board members; Dr. Alan Boroditsky, Ernie Gauvreau, David Goertz, Christine Sorensen and Dean Williams.

These five distinguished individuals will join an esteemed group of community leaders in supporting Children's Wish fundraising initiatives, establishing new partnerships, and most importantly, acting as advocates of wish granting. Their accomplishments as leaders in their respective fields are commendable.

Dr. Alan Boroditsky is the father of a wish child, and is involved in all areas of podiatric medicine and surgery, with his special interests expanding into sports medicine, foot surgery and diabetic foot care. Alan's son, Matthew, is a compassionate wish kid with a genuine desire to make a difference in the world. Two years prior to his cancer diagnosis, Matthew visited the Project Somos Children's Village in Guatemala, and was profoundly affected by the experiences. When Matthew was told that he was eligible for a wish, he chose to give his wish to Project Somos, ensuring years of continued access to medical care for the charity and its children.

Ernie Gauvreau, General Manager of Gowling WLG's Vancouver office, has over 30 years of management experience in law firms, and has been closely involved in almost every service function associated with firm operations. Ernie was introduced to Children's Wish through his participation in the Exile Island fundraising challenge, and he has recently been appointed as Chair of the BC & Yukon More Wishes, More Wonders campaign, with a goal of raising $10 million by 2021. 

David Goertz is an established partner at DCML Chartered Accountants and a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade. David is a newcomer to the world of wish granting, but his efforts are already evident through his early contributions via friend-raising and sponsorship support of the 2016 Diamond Rally.

Christine Sorenson is the Vice President of the BC Nurse's Union, a position she was elected to in 2012.  As the mother of a wish child, Christine has an intimate knowledge of the power of a wish. Following her son's successful battles against the odds, Christine has become a thoughtful advocate for Children's Wish, driving new referral opportunities within her leadership role at BCNU.

Dean Williams is the Vice President & Portfolio Manager of the Dean Williams Group at RBC Dominion Securities, as well as the President of the RBC Dominion Securities President's Club. As a key advocate amongst his peers, Dean has demonstrated a strong passion for Children's Wish that has not only raised awareness, but already earned crucial new funds for wish granting. 

"We are honoured to welcome these five unique, accomplished leaders to our Chapter Advisory Board," says Jennifer Petersen, Director of the BC & Yukon Chapter. "Every new member of the Chapter Advisory Board has already demonstrated an admirable commitment to The Children's Wish Foundation, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them join our wish family. It is a great privilege to have the support of such well-regarded professionals, and we know that their help will prove valuable as we fulfill the heartfelt wishes of sick children in BC and the Yukon."

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest all Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  For more than 30 years, Children's Wish has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt wishes to more than 25,000 children and their families.

This year, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada expects to grant over 1,500 new wishes across the country with the help of volunteers and generous donors; that is approximately three wishes each and every day, all year long.  Each wish is the child's most heartfelt wish, and carefully structured to meet the particular needs of the child and their family.

Already this year, we are experiencing unprecedented increases of wish referrals through our strong medical community relationships for our wishes granted to children with life-threatening illnesses. Now more than ever, we are encouraging Canadians to donate and support The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada to help us continue to grant the next most heartfelt wish. Children's Wish is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information and to donate.

SOURCE The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Andy Kallstrom, Communications Specialist, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Chapter, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]