Achi news desk-
When the Children’s Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta celebrates their 30th anniversary on Thursday, they will say goodbye to one CEO and welcome another.
“Christine McIver Kids Cancer Care started working from the basement of her home after losing her son Derek to brain cancer,” the founder said in a news release.
“In 1991, under the auspices of the Canadian Cancer Society, he established the first children’s cancer camps in Alberta.”
McIver is retiring, describing his successor Tracey Martin as passionate, collaborative, innovative and strategic.
“I am confident that Tracey will find ways to innovate research and care for families affected by childhood cancer,” said Christine McIver.
Martin has 25 years of marketing, business, operations, research and innovation experience.
“Children’s Cancer Care impressed me from day one and I am excited to work together with our families and our community to co-create our future and continue to develop research and care for families affected by this disease on them,” said Martin.
“They are the ‘hug’ in the childhood cancer journey, and the passion and dedication with which they carry out this mission is truly inspiring.”
As one of her last tasks before retiring, McIver will launch the organization’s first children’s book entitled Share Your Spark: The Legend of the Ignition Bug.
The book, published by Friesen Press, follows the journey of children as they make their way to the campfire at Camp Kindle.
Looking ahead to the organization’s future, Martin will provide insight into the $6.2 million expansion and accessibility project at Camp Kindle.
“With $4.2 million in commitments, donations and in-kind donations already secured, the foundation is turning to the Calgary community to raise the remaining $2 million,” the foundation said.
Project highlights:
- Accessible and flexible playing surfaces,
- A multi-purpose building with an arts and crafts workshop, a teaching and learning kitchen, and various collaboration spaces,
- An accessible, interconnected treehouse village,
- An outdoor, interactive music playground,
- Adaptable staff residences
The Camp Kindle renovation project should be completed sometime in 2025.
