A MESSAGE From our leadership
Dear LGFB family,
As we look back at our successes of 2022, you’ve been instrumental in all we were able to accomplish; from launching our new men’s program to re-opening sites in a post-COVID landscape, and to once again holding in-person events. We also began building the future of LGFB – one that is more inclusive and accessible and amplifies the unique voices of those facing cancer. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to offer more resources to enhance the ways in which we connect with our community.
The events on the world stage have made life challenging for us all and have impacted those facing cancer even more. As we continue on our trajectory, we are reminded now more than ever that we must focus on a vision where we can support people of all genders, ages, social economic statuses, different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and those in remote locations - all of whom are often under-represented in our health care system.
The impact of a changing world shows us that we too must evolve with tangible actions; this is why we are expanding our endeavors to new programming, increasing accessibility and our digital infrastructure, adding resources to meet multicultural and diverse language needs and transitioning to “helping people facing cancer” - to show that we stand by our words of including all individuals impacted by cancer.
We are excited at the onset of a new era; and we hope that our community of supporters will choose to stand by LGFB to see us through the next phase of this evolutionary journey.
Dee Diaz Lynda Rose PRESIDENT & CEO CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORSOUR MISSION
In the face of cancer, we help people feel more like themselves again by EDUCATING and EMPOWERING them to help manage the appearancerelated impact of the disease and its treatment. By building and delivering our programs with EMPATHY and EQUITY, we reflect and respect the unique experiences of all.
Educate Empower Empathy EquityIMPACT & ACHIEVEMENTS in 2022
3,429 participants attended an online or in-person workshop
a 16% increase from 2021
276 online and in-person workshops held
a 26% increase from 2021
85.8% of our participants reported feeling somewhat confident AFTER the workshop
compared to 38.3% who reported feeling confident before attending workshop
85.8% participants somewhat attending workshop
98.5% of our participants would recommend our workshop to another person facing cancer
2,686 people read our informational and inspirational digital magazine 38.3% somewhat attending the
000
MEN’S Workshops
There’s a common misconception that men do not care about the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment. However, results in a recent Look Good Feel Better survey of men who have faced cancer, showed that before starting treatment, men were concerned about hair loss but were surprised by changes in their skin once treatment began.
That’s why after 30 years of success helping women and teens manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment, we launched a new online workshop designed specifically for men facing cancer.
Participants in our men’s workshop shared they too felt the importance of having control over their diagnosis and not letting their illness take over their identity. They also shared that they felt a general lack of knowledge about skincare products, using cosmetics and managing hair loss.
Longtime LGFB volunteer Kirk Brierley who was part of the team that helped develop this new workshop and led our very first one last November, could not agree more; “I feel like there is so much opportunity working with men since so many of them don’t think of, or take the time for self-care. They are thirsty for knowledge and frankly quite surprised at the difference a good moisturizer can make not to mention more advanced measures such as using a concealer!”
way he was.
Through the testimony of recent participants, we have seen the positive impact the workshops are having in the community.
Todd W. shared that he’s now using tips like moisturizing and applying cover-up, and it really helps him feel more confident and to get back to the
MEN’S Signature Steps
Skincare
Sun protection
Shaving
Eyebrows
Nails Managing hair loss & hair regrowth
’’I see tired, uncertain men at the beginning of a session turn into animated, optimistic men at the end and that feeling of optimism is everything’’.
Kirk Brierley, LGFB Volunteer
VOLUNTEERS
Celebrating the amazing 30-year
’’I’ve enjoyed meeting some wonderful women over the years. I just love being part of the program and certainly appreciate the organization.’’
’’It is my privilege to be involved in volunteer work where I can experience the joy, uplifting change in the participants’ spirit .’’
MARIA BENNETT, Ontario CINDY BUIM, OntarioLEANNE B. About the LGFB Kit
Learn more about Leanne’s story, featured in CBC here.
30-year milestone of 4 incredible volunteers
’’It’s been such a privilege to be involved with Look Good Feel Better for 30 years. I feel that I get so much more than I give in a workshop.’’
’’Watching the generosity of the volunteers. Watching the transformations, it’s the most incredible experience.’’
JOAN MICHETTI, Quebec
JEANNETTE VALMONT, Quebec
“When I was feeling down my daughter would bring the LGFB Kit and put a little make up on me and it always made me feel a little better. It was a way of normalizing things. It was like, things are tough, I don’t look the same, but I’m still the same mom.”
RE-OPENINGS
In 2022, we began re-opening our in-person workshops with an intentional slow approach. Opening our first few sites in a pilot phase gave us the ability to test new protocols such as masking and social distancing, while still providing the supportive environment we are known for. We are pleased that even with the new protocols, 89% of participants reported being very satisfied with the in-person workshop experience.
Five-year volunteer Madeline Della Mora was part of the team that helped develop the new protocols, and is our Team Lead at Sunnybrook Health Sciences. “It was heartwarming to feel the welcoming energy of volunteers hosting a workshop in a room together again,” she shares. “For participants, being with other cancer thrivers helps them internalize that they aren’t alone, in an already isolating experience.’’
For Madeline, “the best part of our in-person workshops is when participants chat with one another, and compliment each other on their glow, their confidence, and their strength to get through their own challenges.” She finally adds “We are so honoured to hold the space for women to facilitate these connections and help build their confidence and inner strength.”
With more than 100 sites across the country, and each site requiring more than 20 hours to reopen, this work will continue well into 2023. We remain inspired, knowing that we will be a more robust organization, offering programming in-person and online, giving patients the ability to choose the delivery method that is right for them.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all facets of cancer care across Canada and worldwide, with the long-term impacts on people facing cancer, their caregivers and healthcare providers yet to be fully realized. It has strained our health system and laid bare its many gaps and vulnerabilities. From delayed cancer screenings to suspended clinical trials, the fallout from pandemic disruptions may be felt by people in our health system for years to come.” (1) As we continue to offer online classes, re-open our in-person workshops, and expand our offerings, we are driven by the needs of those diagnosed today and in the future.
(1) Canadian Cancer Society report, Living at the Crossroads of Cancer Cancer, Covid and the Evolution of LGFBMEERA’S Story
Thanks to you, in 2022, we were able to help people like Meera.
As a pediatrician, Meera U. was used to wearing a white coat, not a hospital gown. Going from being the health care provider to being the patient turned Meera’s world upside down. Treatment for her breast cancer included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. “When we’re in the doctor’s seat, we explain side effects, but going through it all ourselves gives us a much more intimate understanding”, says
Throughout it all, Meera was also thinking of her 5-year-old daughter. “She didn’t like to see me without a hairpiece on. She would say, ’You don’t look like my mommy.’ That was hard.”
Meera joined two LFGB online workshops – Skincare & Cosmetics and Wigs & Hair Alternatives. “It’s helpful to be able to do some self-care and learn to highlight some features that you used to like about yourself, whether it’s your eyes, eyebrows, or just adding some colour back.”
She is appreciative of the volunteers who delivered the workshops, the donors who funded our programming, and wants everyone to know the impact Look Good Feel Better had on her. “How we look is so much a part of who we are, how we perceive ourselves and how we think other people perceive us. I think it’s important to have tools to make you feel like yourself and a bit better, it reduces some of the depression associated with the changes you go through. Feeling better about yourself is always a
“I had almost all the side effects and complications – nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and more. The visible effects of chemotherapy are profound. We lose our hair; we lose our sense of self and our perception of our identity completely
EVENTS
Return to Connection
We are finally back in-person, and it feels amazing! We were fortunate to have our community of donors and partners cheering for us through unprecedented times, even while we couldn’t gather face to face. 2022 was a year filled with moments of connection and interaction as we returned to gathering for events that lifted our spirits high and brought an abundance of energy. Events like Mirror Ball and Bubbles & Brunch which have helped us raise critical funds for people facing cancer.
It’s all about celebrating good times! Glitz and glam was the name of the game as more than 550 distinguished guests gathered to celebrate Look Good Feel Better and Mirror Ball’s 30th anniversary.
Highlights of the evening included CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan sharing her personal cancer journey and her passion and long-standing connection to Look Good Feel Better.
She had the honour and privilege of having a heartfelt interview with LGFB Ambassadors Anjali Sachdeva and LGFB Volunteer, Robyn Trott. We are grateful for all our longstanding Sponsors, Live and Silent Auction donors, guests, and attendees who helped to raise an incredible $1.1 million.
We were off to the races with Bubbles & Brunch! Events were held with friends and supporters in Toronto and Calgary.
Along with a convivial atmosphere with music, mocktails, silent auctions, and amazing activations, together, both events helped raised close to $160,000. Fabulous swag bags were filled with products from our sponsors – all in support of LGFB.
Bubbles & Brunch is so successful thanks to the B&B Committees, members of the community who volunteer their time and efforts to support LGFB through such incredible events.
Because of their endeavors, within the past 3 years, these events have raised close to $325,000 for people facing cancer across the country.
30th Anniversary of Mirror Ball Bubbles & Brunch - Calgary and Toronto Click here to watch Anjali & Robyn’s story.CORPORATE SPONSORS
Thank Yous
Shoppers Drug Mart - Beauty Mingle 2022
This years’ Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Mingle raised more than $680,000 and these funds are already being put to use - helping to provide women facing cancer with the tools and techniques to help them manage the appearance-related effects of treatment through Look Good Feel Better programming. Whether joining an online or in-person workshop, not only are women learning valuable information, they also become part of a supportive group facing similar challenges, benefiting their well-being and mental health.
We are so proud of the long-standing partnership between Shoppers Drug Mart and Look Good Feel Better. Together, we are part of a woman’s emotional support network, empowering her with knowledge, a sense of control, and optimism. Because of their dedication, more women and teens will access the much-needed care they deserve to manage their diagnosis.
We would not be able to reach people facing cancer without the help of all our donors, partners, and fundraisers. Your generosity has made it possible for Look Good Feel Better to expand our services to different demographics, re-open our sites that were forced to closed due to COVID, and help people recognize and feel like themselves again. As we continue to grow, we couldn’t be more grateful to have a community that feels like family and who supports our vision.
With deep appreciation, LGFB recognizes our Corporate Partners who have supported us in 2022 with a gift or sponsorship of $25,000 or more:
Anita Canada Ltd.
Apotex
Array Marketing
Benefit Cosmetics LLC
CIBC Clarins
Clorox/Burt’s Bees
Coty Inc.
Estée Lauder Companies
FDJ
Groupe Marcelle
HBC
Holt Renfrew
iA Financial Group
L’Oréal Canada
La vie en Rose
Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. - Mary Kay Ash
Charitable Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
PUIG
Sephora Canada
Shiseido Inc.
TJX Canada
FINANCIALS
The 2021 fiscal year was again one of financial stability for LGFB. Our thanks to the commitment of our individual donors, corporate partners, community fundraising and granting agencies whose generosity allowed us to continue and evolve our programming.
We are proud to be an effective organization, keeping the people we serve at the heart of our decisions and being accountable to donors. We are also proud to operate at an administration rate on par with industry standards, distributing more than 77 per cent of funds to areas directly impacting people with cancer and their families.
Please see our website for our most up-to-date audited financial statements.
Program Delivery
77%
Fundraising
18% Operations & Administration
6%
OUR LEADERSHIP
Thank you to our 2022 Board of Directors for their commitment to Look Good Feel Better and the community we serve.
Their expertise and support have successfully guided us through 30 years of impact while championing our program evolution.
Chair: Lynda Rose, General Manager, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Vice Chair: Louanne McGrory, Chief Commercial Officer, U.S., Shiseido Inc.
Treasurer: Myles Robinson, President, Centura Brands Inc.
Directors:
Sharon Avery, President, Toronto Community Foundation
John Coyne, formerly with Unilever Canada
Doriane Dalati, formerly Vice-President / Chief Corporate Communications Officer
/ Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, L’Oréal Canada
Dennis Darby, President, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Deny DiFelice, General Manager, U.S., Benefit Cosmetics LLC
Barbara Foldes, Vice President - Internal Audit, CIBC
Taposhi Gandhi, Vice President/Brand Manager, Estée Lauder Companies – MAC
Allan Lever, CEO, Hollywood Alliance Ltd.
Darren Praznik, President & CEO, Cosmetics Alliance Canada
Lisa Reid, Commercial Operations Leader-Beauty, Procter & Gamble
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED
lgfb.ca news@lgfb.ca
Facing Cancer Together offers a safe place for people and their support network to share thoughts and connect with a community of others who can relate to their experiences. Read stories of others’ experiences and share your own story too.
Amazing online events and campaigns are held throughout the year in support of Look Good Feel Better. It is because of the passion and creativity of our community that we are able to help raise awareness and critical funds for the charity.
Interested in becoming a corporate partner? Have an idea for a fundraiser? We’d love to hear from you!