PROUD TO SUPPORT SIMONNE DURETTE – RECIPIENT FOR 2ND QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • June 25, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $2,500 to Simonne Durette, Recipient of the 2nd Quarter vote of 2020.

Originally born in Manitoba, Simonne Durette is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. Simonne has taken care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

Simonne has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

Thank you to Laura MacCormack for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
Simonne and I met when she was just 9 years old through Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland mentor program. Originally born in Manitoba, she is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. She took care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

She is now 22 years old and just moved out on her own for the very first time. With everything she was dealt in life, she could have gone down a very different path but Simonne has a beautiful heart and generous spirit, she continues to grow and learn every day. An incredible artist she dreams of going to art school to study animation and have a career in this field. She would be the first person in her family to go to college and it would be an incredible accomplishment. Unfortunately, Simonne does not have the support of her First Nations band financially as she has grown up in BC and her band is through her father who she does not know. She has no financial support to go to school and is currently on government disability assistance. This award would encourage her to take the next big step in her growth and realize her dreams. I am determined to see her life turn around and for her to have the opportunities so many of us take for granted.

Simonne is my Little Sister in the Big Sister program. She has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

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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.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Lisse's Family Fighting for Healing and Stability RECIPIENT WESTERN 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 Lisse's Family Fighting for Healing and Stability our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Lauren Sbitney for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lisse and her husband Zach are facing an urgent crisis after Lisse was diagnosed with aggressive MS that threatened complete paralysis. In January 2025, emergency hospitalization revealed major spinal lesions, and she was told she could lose all mobility within months. Desperate to save her life and health, they drained their life savings and fundraised to pursue a stem cell transplant in Mexico. While the treatment has halted the disease's progression, recovery requires one to two years of intensive care and therapy. Eight months in, Lisse continues to make slow gains alongside expected setbacks. With Zach unable to work since December 2024 to care for both Lisse and their 10-month-old daughter Effie, the family is drowning in mounting debt despite living on an extremely tight budget. Their income-assistance application is still pending after six months of waiting. They urgently need support to access therapies that could meaningfully accelerate Lisse's healing and provide their family with basic stability. Your help would ease their financial burden and allow them to focus on recovery and giving Effie the secure childhood she deserves.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Andrea Mundie RECIPIENT 3rd QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • November 3, 2025

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Andrea Mundie our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Marci Deanefor bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Mundie is a devoted mother of four—Rex, Dace, Clove, and Penn—facing the fight of her life. Already living with Stage 4 cancer, she has now been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a rare and aggressive complication. Her priority is simple yet profound: to spend meaningful time with her children and create lasting memories while she can. To extend her time, Andrea has begun permanent chemotherapy. But the financial strain is overwhelming. Many of her most urgent needs are not covered by insurance. Funds raised will directly support: Health and wellness costs to ease her treatment Meals and home care for her children Educational expenses to secure their futures Despite her challenges, Andrea’s resilience shines. She celebrated her 50th birthday with loved ones, even while beginning chemotherapy. Soon after, she faced emergency surgery where her heart stopped and doctors cracked her ribs and sternum to save her life. Through it all, she has held onto positivity and humor. A grant from 100 Brokers Who Care would ease Andrea’s burden, giving her peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters most—her children. Your support will provide comfort, dignity, and precious moments of love and memory.