The Alberta Chapter of the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade was started in late 1999 when Lois Yanke of Medicine Hat contacted Donna Brown and Mary-Jane Winfield both of Calgary. Lois suggested starting WICC in Alberta. Donna and MJ were inspired by her enthusiasm and the ladies’ longstanding involvement with the Canadian Association of Insurance Women, a close ally of WICC motivated them even further. The Calgary Chapter of the Insurance Professionals brought more support and other willing volunteers who became WICC AB board members.

Of course, the work is not done until a cure is found. WICC counts themselves fortunate to have created a unique relationship with the AB/NWT division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). This strong connection enables them to choose the research projects year by year. WICC AB also ensures that all of the funding we provide goes direct to cancer research as opposed to administrative and overhead costs of the CCS. WICC AB was pleased to be the first donor in the region to sponsor an equipment request for a researcher. The name of the organization is emblazoned on a microscope that will assist the work of many researchers in a University of Calgary medical laboratory based in the Foothills Hospital. WICC AB has been presented with the Community Champion Award, Excellence in Revenue Development, and was honoured with the CCS AB/NWT division’s, first ever, named grant The Women Insurance Cancer Crusade Alberta Innovation Grant of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The WICC AB Chapter continues to succeed thanks to the generosity and support of the Alberta insurance community as well as the passion and dedication of our volunteers.