Canadian conference??

I was reading through some statistics on the NAAF conference from last year and although roughly 1000 alopecians attended, only 24 or so were from Canada! That's a very low number considering that the USA is right next door. I'm certain that the price of gas and transportation in general are a deterrent then you have to get tickets and there are tons of people selling wigs and hats and whatnot - it's a little too pricey for most, I assume.

So my idea is to make the conference available to more people by holding one in Canada as well. This is something we can obtain if we want it bad enough. There are quite a few people who are listed with the NAAF's international support groups in Canada in most provinces and it's possible there are more groups not listed with NAAF. If we could even get chatting online together, we could make this happen - we just have to unite! September is awareness month, which is fast approaching and it could offer the perfect opportunity to get the funding we would need for such an event. Even if we just held provincial conferences I'm sure the turnout would be amazing but all of Canada would be the ultimate goal! Can you imagine alopecians taking over the CN Tower??? That would be so awesome!

If you are a support group leader, look at the resources available in just your group alone. I know I have some pretty handy people in mine! Please respond to me and if we get enough people we can start talking. I like to see things happen but, as one person alone can't save the world, one person alone can't form a country wide conference! If you have anything to do with organizing the NAAF conference I invite you as well to share your experiences and welcome any advice. What's your opinion as a Canadian with alopecia, would you like to see a Canadian conference?

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Permalink Reply by Mike on June 24, 2008 at 11:23pm
I would absolutely love to have a conference in Canada...specifically western Canada as that is where I live. The cost of flying to Toronto is no different than flying to Kentucky or anywhere in the US these days.
Permalink Reply by Carol on June 26, 2008 at 12:37pm
It's certainly possible though we'd have to move it around like they do in the US, to be fair to everyone. It doesn't exactly save too much money by driving but I'm up for the long haul and the adventure!
Permalink Reply by Carol on July 7, 2008 at 6:05pm
You are right about the cost of flying and I have no doubt that gas prices will only go up however would you consider traveling to a major city in your province to catch a chartered bus?? Something I'm considering, providing I can cut a deal with someone, is getting at least one chartered bus to come from each end of the country, more if neccessary. Manitoba is fairly central so the aim would be to have something there and if you'd rather drive there yourself then that's ok too.
Permalink Reply by Crystal on July 7, 2008 at 11:58am
Hey I think this is such a wonderful Idea. I know of no one in NL that has Alopecia. I don't even think that there is a support group here. If you could link me up with someone here in Nl to get things started I am on board.
Permalink Reply by Children's Alopecia Project on July 20, 2008 at 4:20pm
I think they count all the people so there were not 1000 alopecians, just 1000 people that paid and volunteered.

CAP is doing a convention for kids and there families in August of 2009 in Philadelphia. I would be glad to pass the word to all the families in our Canadian database if you were to do a Canadian Convention, I am sure CAP would help out too!

Jeff Woytovich
www.childrensalopeciaproject.org
Permalink Reply by Carol on July 20, 2008 at 6:33pm
That's awesome! I've already contacted CAP about my support group but will def. let you know when something gets going. Be patient though, I just started training at a new job! :)
Permalink Reply by Erin on August 23, 2008 at 1:26pm
Hey I would love this! I'm in MB. but i would do whatever I can to help make this happen and think it would be a great thing!
Permalink Reply by Carol on August 26, 2008 at 7:42am
Hey Erin
That would be awesome. It's so funny that most of eastern Canada has been wanting to do this and I was so hoping the word would spread west so YAY!! I'm actually going to a meeting this morning to see what it takes to make a national organization and I've made up most of a business plan. It's really difficult to do for non-profits as I'm finding out LOL. I'll let you all know what happens after the meeting though!
The benefit of having a Canadian organization for alopecia would be that we have someone to fight for insurance coverage and discrimination as well as our own national org. to raise awareness, fund Canadian research on alopecia and hold our own conference. Currently I'm looking for people who would like to be a support group leader in their area so if you haven't sent me a note yet, feel free to let me know! :)
Permalink Reply by Dawn on November 4, 2008 at 7:17pm
I would absolutely love to have a conference in Canada. It's funny that this has not already started. Everything seems to be associated with the states and I do not think it should be like that
Permalink Reply by JeffreySF on November 21, 2008 at 5:22pm
Although I am not Canadian I would loved to attend a confrence with my northern neighbors.

Jeff
Permalink Reply by Carol on November 23, 2008 at 6:59pm
Thank you for your support Jeff! We'd love to have you too! :)
Permalink Reply by Sarah Anderson on November 25, 2008 at 2:13am
i would love to meet in canada Finaly i am soo soo in!!!!

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