By Lisa Gausman, Senior Editor of Ostomy Canada Magazine
Across Canada, the holiday season once again brought warmth, connection, and celebration to ostomates and their families through a series of wonderful Christmas and holiday events hosted by Ostomy Canada local chapters and peer support groups. These gatherings highlighted the strength of our community, the dedication of volunteers, and the joy that comes from coming together during this special time of year. Here is a small sample of the events:
Ostomy Halifax Christmas Auction
The holiday season in Halifax was marked by an incredible fundraising success. Ostomy Halifax is proud to share that just over $15,000 was raised at the Christmas 2025 auction.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated items, and supported the event, as well as to the dedicated volunteer team who worked tirelessly to organize a wonderful afternoon of fun and FUNdraising. The generosity and enthusiasm shown by the community made this event truly memorable.
Ostomy Saskatchewan Christmas Social
On December 6, Ostomy Saskatchewan hosted a Christmas social at a local restaurant in Regina, welcoming 35 members and guests. The evening was filled with fun games, great conversation, and meaningful connection.
The chapter was especially pleased to welcome a new camper for 2025, Aiden, along with his parents, making the celebration even more special. Plans are already being considered to extend this festive gathering to Saskatoon in 2026.
Calgary Ostomy Society Glitz & Glam Christmas Social
The Calgary Ostomy Society hosted their 2025 Glitz & Glam–themed Christmas Social on December 6 at the Kerby Centre. Guests were encouraged to dress in their favourite glamorous outfits or festive Christmas attire, bringing sparkle and holiday cheer to the evening.
Approximately 30 attendees enjoyed a traditional ham dinner, with tickets pre-sold at $36 per plate. The Brown Bag auction was a crowd favourite, allowing guests to place tickets into bags in front of donated gifts, with a winning ticket later drawn for each item. Door prize draws, a White Elephant gift exchange, and a Christmas photo booth added to the fun.
A special highlight of the evening was a group photo of Calgary Ostomy Society members who have appeared in the Ostomy Canada magazine, each holding the issue they were featured in. Many thanks to Pris for capturing the photos and to the executive team for their hard work in planning such a successful and joyful event.
(Missing were Angie S., Wes and Deana R., Liz L., Tiffany S., Hannah M., and Linz K.)
United Ostomy Association of Vancouver Christmas Luncheon
This year’s Christmas luncheon hosted by the United Ostomy Association of Vancouver was once again held at the Metrotown Hilton. More than 80 ostomates, NSWOCs, family members, and supporters came together to celebrate the season. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal featuring turkey, salmon, and vegetarian options, along with red and white wine and an impressive variety of desserts.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the event organizers and to the many local businesses that generously donated gift baskets for door prizes. The popular 50/50 draw saw strong participation, and winner Bill Albinson kindly donated his winnings back to the chapter, truly embodying the spirit of giving.
Wrapping Up 2025
From coast to coast, these holiday celebrations reflected the compassion, generosity, and sense of community that define Ostomy Canada. Thank you to all the local chapters, peer support groups, volunteers, donors, and attendees who helped make this holiday season so meaningful for ostomates and their families across the country.
Would you like to see an amazing event in your area?
Consider joining a local Ostomy Canada chapter or peer support group and sharing your voice in event planning. Volunteers are needed across Canada, and these meaningful gatherings would not be possible without the dedication, ideas, and support of our incredible community members.
About Lisa Gausman
Lisa Gausman, is a graduate from the University of Calgary, holding a Bachelor of English with Honours.
After having 17 abdominal surgeries for damage done to her entire intestinal tract by ravishing Crohn’s disease and being left with short bowel syndrome, Lisa was forced to leave the workforce. This was a huge blow as Lisa had already completed ¾ of her Post secondary BEd degree when her studies were put on hold due to several long-time hospitalizations.
After a near-tragic event in 2005, documented as a ‘narcotic induced depression’, Lisa recovered to find herself seeking out support with the Calgary Ostomy Society as their newsletter editor. Lisa has held many positions locally, nationally and internationally for the ostomy community. Her newfound purpose came as a volunteer mentor turned camp administrator from 2006 until 2025 when she retired. Within Ostomy Canada Society, Lisa has been a dedicated Senior Editor for the Ostomy Canada Magazine. Lisa remains as a helpful volunteer for Ostomy Canada giving back to a community that helped give her life purpose and meaning. Lisa is a loving mother to her premature baby, Wesley, now 24, and to her two furrbabies! When not working for OCS, Lisa can be found jigsaw puzzling!
