Every donation, event, and action helps move the needle toward a world free of ALS. Whether through a community-led fundraiser, corporate giving, personal donation, or participating in an ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) event, the community united in 2024 to make an impact.
Building impact today and tomorrow: How a vital investment helped support people living with ALS and secured long-term change
People living with ALS and their caregivers face urgent and evolving needs. Timely access to mobility aids, communication devices, and assistive equipment that help keep people safe is essential. These tools can prevent injury, reduce hospital visits, and allow people to remain at home with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. In 2024, a vital investment from the JBS Foundation helped ALS Canada deliver this essential support through our Equipment Program and provided the resources needed to advocate for long-term solutions that ensure continued access for the ALS community.
With a generous contribution of $150,000, the JBS Foundation strengthened our ability to respond to increasing demand. This included implementing a province-wide inventory tracking system to reduce wait times, identify potential shortages, and replenish inventory. The result: faster delivery of critical equipment to people’s homes, improving daily life for people affected by ALS.
“From our own lived experiences with family members who have had ALS and our deep connections with the staff and leadership of ALS Canada, it is an honour for JBS Foundation to be partners in the work of this remarkable organization,” said Dr. Terry Smith, Executive Director, JBS Foundation. “We are well aware that our support is not nearly adequate to meet the huge needs of families who are impacted by ALS, and it is our ardent desire that both private and public funding for ALS research, care and counselling can grow to meet these needs. We hope many others will join us in supporting ALS Canada.”
This funding also supported ALS Canada’s advocacy efforts in Ontario, helping bring people living with ALS, caregivers, and clinic teams to the ALS Canada Day of Action. There, elected officials heard directly from the community about the challenges of living with the disease. The visibility and momentum from that day contributed to the provincial government’s commitment of $13 million over three years to establish the Ontario Provincial ALS Program, a significant step toward coordinated, equitable care across the province.
“We are deeply grateful to the JBS Foundation for their generous support in 2024. Investments like this are transformational for our organization, helping us meet urgent needs today while driving lasting change,” said Chris Pon, Vice-President of Fund Development at ALS Canada. “From getting essential equipment into homes to advocacy that helped establish a government-funded ALS program, this support has strengthened care and moved us closer to a future where every person affected by ALS has equitable access to the services they need, no matter where they live.”
Caring for the caregivers with support from the Rexall Care Network
Caring for someone living with ALS is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Caregivers often take on multiple roles, coordinating care, managing appointments, and providing daily assistance, all while dealing with the emotional weight of witnessing a loved one progressing with the disease. It’s an experience that can lead to isolation, burnout, and the overwhelming feeling of carrying a heavy load without enough support.
With a generous $20,000 grant from the Rexall Care Network, ALS Canada has expanded its caregiver programs, providing vital resources to help caregivers navigate the complex and demanding nature of their role. The funding has supported the creation of virtual workshops, including support groups and specialized initiatives like journaling and art therapy, offering caregivers a space to connect, share their experiences, and learn practical strategies for managing the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Rexall Care Network for their support,” said Kim Barry, Vice-President of Community Services at ALS Canada. “This funding is not just a donation—it is an investment in the caregivers who are the backbone of the ALS community. Expanding these programs gives caregivers the resources, community, and support they need to navigate their challenging journey with resilience and hope, ensuring they do not have to face the weight of this experience alone.”
These programs, accessible online to caregivers across the country, help foster a sense of community, reduce isolation, and remind caregivers that they are not alone in their journey. Through connection and support, caregivers can find the strength to continue their critical role while also taking steps to safeguard their own health and well-being.
Youth athletes get involved by raising funds and awareness through ALS Canada’s Buck-A-Puck for ALS
Young athletes across Canada came together to support ALS Canada through Buck-A-Puck for ALS, raising a total of $13,242. The initiative challenged participants to take a shot on net for every dollar raised, with three teams and 10 athletes contributing to the fundraising effort.
Participant Caden Campbell took part in honour of his biggest fan, his nana, who passed away from ALS. “It’s important for me to participate in Buck-A-Puck because she would be proud of me,” said Caden. “Before she passed away, she asked us to do what we could to raise awareness about ALS, so this is the best way for me to do that.”
The dedication of these youth athletes not only raised funds but also helped spread awareness about ALS, helping make a lasting impact.