annual report 2008-2009:
president's message

My second term as president for Compassion House Foundation has been rewarding and not without its challenges. After being short staffed for six months, Mellissa Kraft joined the Compassion House Foundation at the beginning of July. Having an executive director in place, not only with the right skills but also the vision of helping others, has certainly made a difference in what we have been able to accomplish.

As I previously reported, the Foundation is working on expanding capacity in order to meet our vision that more people with breast cancer will have access to sanctuary and compassionate support. A capital project committee has been formed to lay the groundwork for the eventual capital campaign. The committee has been working with architects from Stantec to develop the plans for the expansion. With the economy taking a swift down turn over the past year, the committee is working cautiously to plan the expansion.

Serving the former guests of Sorrentino’s Compassion House ‘beyond our four walls’, is integral to the work we do. We know that once guests leave the house and return home, they often feel isolated. When they leave Sorrentino’s Compassion House, they leave the friendships and support systems that they have come to value. Guests who attended the second annual former guest retreat were very grateful to have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and to share their feelings as survivors. The retreat was facilitated in partnership with Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada.

I continue to be extremely grateful for the support we receive from the community through donations and volunteer commitments. Each one of you who attends events, develops third party initiatives, makes a donation and/or volunteers your time is making a difference in the lives of people battling breast cancer.

To my colleagues on the board of directors, thank you for your dedication to ensuring people from the North have an affordable, safe place to stay while receiving breast cancer treatment. The hard work and cooperation of the board is what makes us a successful team in providing for the needs of our guests.

Respectfully submitted,  

Barbara Walker

President, Compassion House Foundation

Annual report