PROUD TO SUPPORT Houaida and Izzy WESTERN RECIPIENT 4th QUARTER 2023

Brokers Who Care • December 21, 2023

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $3,500 to Houaida and Izzy, our Western Recipient of the 4th Quarter 2023 vote.

Thank you to Crystal Mamchur for bringing this Cause to our attention.

The Nomination Story:

I am writing to nominate Houaida, a remarkable woman whose compassion and dedication have profoundly impacted the life of a young girl, Izzy (Isabelle) 12 years old.

Houaida’s journey with Izzy began in the summer of 2016, when Izzy’s family moved next door. Houaida quickly bonded with Izzy, then five years old, and her mother, Brandy, who struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism. Despite Brandy’s efforts, her situation deteriorated, leading to multiple relocations and eventual homelessness.

In January 2021, a critical moment arose when Izzy, in distress due to her mother’s condition, sought refuge with Houaida. What was planned as a temporary stay extended indefinitely as Brandy’s struggles continued. Houaida, recognizing the dire circumstances, stepped in to provide a stable and nurturing environment for Izzy, even securing legal guardianship to protect her.

During this time, Izzy faced immense personal loss, including the passing of her grandparents and, tragically, her mother took her own life June 1st of this year. Through these hardships, Houaida has been a constant source of support and care for Izzy, who is now navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Houaida’s commitment extends beyond emotional support. As an Indigenous child, Izzy faced the risk of being placed with an unfamiliar family if entered into the social services system. Houaida chose to care for Izzy independently, ensuring she remained in a familiar and loving environment.

The challenges have been significant. Houaida lost her primary source of income earlier this year and has been striving to build a small business from home. Despite financial struggles, she prioritizes Izzy’s wellbeing, even at her own expense, and continues to care for their dog Bane, who has health issues.

Houaida’s selflessness, resilience, and dedication to Izzy’s wellbeing make her an exceptional candidate for support from your organization. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

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PROUD TO SUPPORT Chico-Battling Cancer RECIPIENT EASTERN 2nd QUARTER 2026

May 9, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Chico - Battling Cancer our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Chico is a loving husband and father who has always given back to his community, family, and friends. His life changed unexpectedly when he suffered a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His family has stood by his side through every challenge, and he has been unable to work due to his condition. Despite exhausting all conventional treatment options, there is still hope. Optune Gio is a device that could slow the tumor's growth and give Chico more precious time with his loved ones. However, the cost of this life-extending treatment is overwhelming, and his family urgently needs support to afford it. Chico's journey has been incredibly tough, but the community has rallied around him. Your support, no matter the size, will go directly toward his care, easing the financial burden on his family during this difficult time. Together, we can help Chico access the treatment he needs and allow him to focus on what matters most—spending time with the people he loves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this critical time.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Lawson Needs Our Help RECIPIENT WESTERN 2nd QUARTER 2026

By Brokers Who Care • May 9, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lawson-Needs Our Help our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. About a year ago, what appeared to be a routine illness became a life-threatening crisis. Lawson developed massive blood clots, and during a procedure, his heart stopped. He went without oxygen for up to 45 minutes and required CPR and ECMO life support to survive. Against incredible odds, Lawson is still here. He is now off life support, but he sustained significant brain injury. His recovery requires ongoing, intensive therapy, specialized care, and long-term medical support. Before this, Lawson was an active, sports-loving kid, often found at the rink supporting his older brother Cooper—a team captain who continues to show remarkable strength and leadership through it all. Today, Lawson’s family is navigating time away from work, ongoing medical travel, and the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding their lives around his recovery. Your vote is more than financial support—it’s access to therapy, care, and the opportunity for Lawson to reach his fullest potential. Lawson has already shown incredible strength. With our support, his story can continue to be one of resilience, progress, and hope.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Let's Cure Lucas RECIPIENT EASTERN 1st QUARTER 2026

By Brokers Who Care • February 16, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Let's Cure Lucas - Fighting an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disease our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lucas Azevedo is a four-year-old with an ultra-rare gene variant affecting the RBM28 gene—a condition so rare that only one other child in the world has been discovered with it. This disease is currently unnamed and has no cure, but his smile and spirit inspire everyone around him. Lucas lives with significant physical challenges. His ultra-rare gene variant affects all four of his limbs, his balance and coordination, his speech, his oral strength, and much more. His muscles are both tight and fragile, making even the simplest movements a challenge against gravity itself. Nothing happens automatically for him—every movement requires intention, strength, and support. The RBM28 variant affects his cerebellum, the area of the brain vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. While there is currently no cure, gene therapy has been developed and has proven successful in stopping progression for many ultra-rare diseases. Lucas's family is hopeful about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs. In the meantime, Lucas works incredibly hard six days a week undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and hydrotherapy to build strength and independence. His goal is to walk independently, run, jump, and ride a bike. Your support directly funds the therapies and care that allow Lucas to keep fighting and growing stronger. Together, we can help this remarkable little boy achieve his dreams and contribute to the research that may one day lead to a cure. Thank you for standing with Lucas and his family in this urgent fight.