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 volunteer who became WICC AB board members.

Along with a core group of dedicated volunteers, Donna and MJ began encouraging the insurance industry in Alberta to see WICC as their charity of choice.  The goal set out by the founders of WICC AB was to raise $1M in 10 years and on the 10 year anniversary of the Alberta Chapter we were beyond pleased to have realised that goal.

Of course, our work is not done until a cure is found. We count ourselves fortunate to have created a unique relationship with the AB/NWT division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).  This strong connection enables us to choose our 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 was pleased to be the first donor in our region to sponsor an equipment request for a researcher.  The name of our 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.