Who: John Osler
What: Volunteer, fundraising advocate, donor and board member, cancer survivor and motivated leader.
Why he’s on the A-List: Gives five to 10 hours weekly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, ensuring the annual $30 million in donations goes where it’s needed most.
Overseeing the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s finances is not a glamourous job, but someone’s got to do it — and John Osler is more than happy to.
The 46-year-old lawyer has been a committed volunteer at the foundation since 2004, and in 2006 he joined the board of trustees.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation raises more than $30 million annually for cancer research, education and prevention. Every year, thousands of Albertans donate their time and money to the foundation, hoping their contributions will make a difference. It is Osler’s job to make sure their contributions are well spent.
“Volunteers and donors couldn’t put their trust in a better man,” says foundation CEO Linda Mickelson. “His strong business mind, quiet confidence and commitment to action have all had a major impact on the quality of cancer programs in the province.”
It is not a thrilling job, but it is vital to the success of the foundation. “We couldn’t do half of what we do without his help,” says Mickelson.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, claiming nearly 74,000 lives annually, and more than 6,000 in Alberta alone. One in two Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime; 16,000 are diagnosed every year. And with these statistics consistently climbing, Michelson has noticed Osler’s commitment continuing to grow, as well. “It just goes to show how much he cares,” she says.
This year, Osler takes on the roles of honourary event chair and captain of Team EOTO for The Ride to Conquer Cancer, an annual 200-km-plus bike ride through the Canadian Rockies. EOTO is an acronym for the names of his two children. Osler himself was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. He says he sees it not as a hindrance or unlucky coincidence, but as a very obvious confirmation that volunteering in cancer fundraising is exactly where he belongs.
Osler hasn’t ridden a bike in years and says the physically challenging two-day fundraiser is definitely out of his comfort zone. But he says his devotion to his teammates and strong desire to help out is enough to keep him motivated.
“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way,” says Osler. “I have been blessed with a very happy life and I believe that if you give that same joy back to the community, it’s a much bigger reward than anything else.”
What can you do?
The Ride to Conquer Cancer takes place June 27 to 28. To help John Osler and Team EOTO reach their goal of $50,000 to $75,000, sponsor them — or any of the participants — by calling 1-888-624-2453, or visit conquercancer.ca. All proceeds go to supporting breakthrough cancer research.
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