If you ask what motivates Shari Dodsworth to support organizations like Women in Insurance
Cancer Crusade (WICC) and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), she might share her first
experience with cancer. Around the time Shari was about to give birth to her first child, her
father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was able to make a full recovery but the
experience showed Shari the incredible value of cancer research, educational resources and the
incredible support of others.
Early on in her insurance career, Shari joined WICC shortly after its inception. Together with
WICC volunteers, she dedicated her time to funding cancer research. 14 years later, Shari sits
on the WICC Ontario board alongside other insurance professionals. Shari explains, “I am very
proud to work with everyone on the WICC board. Some of them are my professional
competitors!” In fact, that is one of her favourite aspects of WICC for her; how the organization
unites the insurance community. Shari enjoys engaging with others at WICC events, including
the annual Gala and breakfast, so much so, that for the past five years, Shari has served as Co-
Chair on the annual Relay for Life event committee.
Relay for Life holds a deep place in Shari’s heart since she participated in her first event while in
university. The event is fun, inspirational and impactful, having raised over four million dollars
towards cancer research over the years. “That’s where you feel a part of that community.
Unfortunately, we all have people who have faced cancer and we have the opportunity to
honour them. There are participants of hope, those living with cancer. One story may have a
happy ending and another can be incredibly heartbreaking. I find the event moving in so many
ways,” Shari explains. Relay brings individuals together and for Shari, that motivates her to keep
fundraising for cancer research and supports. Organizations like the CCS conduct research,
deliver education, fundraise and promote volunteer efforts that all contribute to shrinking
mortality rates on cancer and those statistics mean so much to Shari.
Once upon a time, Shari needed the support to get through a difficult time in her family’s life.
Her advice to someone in a similar situation? “Speak up. Find the support that you can and talk
about it. Use the resources that CCS has. There is support out there for you.”
Shari joined WICC shortly after its inception in 1997. Shari currently serves as Senior Vice
President, Ontario, Atlantic & Western Region at Northbridge Insurance.